×

Bedford teen hosts second annual Glory Project

S tanding in front of the bulletin board at The Inside Scoop, Bedford High School junior Emma Benson could not be more excited.

“I just put up this flier today,” Benson said. “I really want people to come.”

The flier announces the second annual Glory Project, an evening dedicated to protecting the arts and music in the classroom by participating in a community flash mob-esque dance.

“Last year was the first year we did it. We danced to the song ‘The Edge of Glory’ (by Lady Gaga), and I decided to call it the Glory Project,” Benson said.

The event will be held from 3-6 p.m. Monday, July 9, (rain date is July 10) at the park at the Bedford Town Pool. Admission is $5 and all proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit Big Thought, in Dallas, which promotes arts, music and theater education.

Benson is a member of the BHS theater company and International Thespians Society. She also edits and writes for the school newspaper’s arts and entertainment section.

“I try to involve myself in whatever ways I can,” Benson said.

But how does one teenager make a difference in her community?

“First, you need to find someone to sponsor you and be your guardian.” Benson said. “The Parks and Recreation Department helped us find a location, handled the police warrant and other related challenges.”

Benson said the next step is to advertise and gather supplies.

“People cooperate if you stand for a good cause and they know you are taking it seriously.” Benson said. “People respect that.”

The idea of the Glory Project came together last year when Benson was listening to “The Edge of Glory” with her friends.

“I told them wouldn’t it be awesome if we got a group of people together to dance to this song,” Benson said. “Once you start choreographing, it takes you away.”

This year, Benson selected Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” to dance to for the cause. Benson looked up flash mob choreography online, which she describes as “moves that repeat themselves and are visually appealing to watch.” She just came up with the final choreography two weeks ago.

“It’s not just me alone. It’s a group of four to five friends who help work on the whole event,” Benson said.

Benson also said she decided to pick Big Thought because she couldn’t find any local charities that offered what Big Thought brings to everyday students. She was inspired to take up this cause after learning about budget cuts in the arts and music departments at Bedford elementary schools.

“Those were the brightest parts of my day,” Benson said. “A lot of teachers are moving to part time, and I wanted to do something about it. Big Thought was very supportive and thankful of my donation last year’s Glory Project”

Benson hopes to bring a charity like Big Thought to Bedford in the future. She is thinking about expanding The Glory Project as part of her senior project.

“The event starts at 3 because most kids and teenagers are at camp until then. Parents can bring their children after swimming in the town pool. Last year, we had people from kids to elderly participate.” Benson said. “Feeling the glory that you helped you make a difference, that’s the most glorious thing of all.”

Katelyn Dobbs can be reached at 594-6549 or kdobbs@nashuatelegraph.com.