Bridges Got Talent Shines a Light on Student Strength and Self-Expression

On Thursday, May 15, students at Bridges Learning Center took the stage for the Second Annual Bridges Got Talent Show -- a powerful and deeply personal event that gave students the opportunity to share their voices in a space built on trust, creativity and support.

This isn’t your typical school talent show. Grounded in music therapy, art therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) practices, Bridges Got Talent puts students at the center of the experience. Each performer selects their own audience and receives positive, encouraging feedback from community members serving as guest judges.

“Bridges Got Talent is about helping students feel seen and valued,” said Edie Hardin-Steiner, music therapist at Bridges and the event’s organizer. “When they perform, they’re not just showcasing a talent. They’re expressing something real about who they are, and that deserves to be celebrated.”

Board of Education Member Diana Autry, who attended the event, reflected on the broader impact. “Events like Bridges Got Talent remind us that education is about more than academics; it is about building confidence, community and connection,” said Autry. “Seeing our students thrive in an environment shaped by care and creativity is incredibly moving and a testament to the staff who make this possible.”

Over the course of five heartfelt hours, families, school staff and community members came together to enjoy a wide variety of acts, including:

• Group and solo drumming
• Shadow puppet theater
• STEM demonstrations and student-designed games
• Singing, dancing, piano performances and original raps
• Full band sets from student-formed groups like The Rockfits, The Wulff Pack Band and Akron Gold

In addition to live performances, the event included a powerful visual showcase of student artwork created through art therapy sessions. These pieces reflected the therapeutic and self-expressive themes that define Bridges Got Talent. Highlights included:

• All About Me Collages – Vibrant layers of color, photos and reflections celebrating student identity
• Be Kind Rainbows – Art and music therapy pieces promoting kindness and SEL
• I AM Collages – Traced hands filled with positive words to boost self-esteem

Bridges Got Talent is an outstanding example of the kind of innovative, student-centered programming made possible by Akron Public Schools' commitment to a well-rounded education. The event also highlighted the talent and dedication of the outstanding educators and therapists who support students every day both in the classroom and beyond.

This celebration continues to be a highlight of the school year at Bridges Learning Center, offering a stage where students of all backgrounds and abilities can share their voices, on their own terms, and be celebrated for exactly who they are.