“Mt. Airy’s Got Talent” show to raise money for new technology at Emlen Elementary

As a professional actress and educator, Tamara Anderson couldn’t think of anything more gratifying than sharing her love of singing to benefit the Eleanor C. Emlen Elementary School during this year’s “Mt. Airy’s Got Talent” event on Nov. 16.

Following the show’s theme of “gratitude for our gifts,” Anderson will sing a rendition of “Home,” a tune made famous by Diana Ross in the 1978 feature film of “The Wiz,” which is patterned off the “Wizard of Oz.”

Anderson said she chose the musical’s last song because of its themes of appreciation and community.

“She [Diana Ross] has been on this journey and learning about herself and the three people she has been with this whole time and come to find out the only thing that she needed to get home was always with her,” said Anderson. “That is huge because a lot of times, we walk around and we want so many other things and to be different and all we really need is in our hands reach.”

Dr. Nancy Wilson, Emlen’s principal, said the proceeds of the event, which will feature several other performances, will be utilized to increase the presence of technology in the public school through the purchase of smart boards and handheld devices.

She said she believes the high-tech education tools will enable teachers to cover more information in a shorter period of time.

Last year, the event raised $1,000 for the school’s Arts and Literacy program. The money enabled students to channel their creativity by doing projects based on various reading excerpts.

“Mt. Airy’s Got Talent” will take place inside St. Michael’s Lutheran Church at 6671 Germantown Ave. The show starts at 7 p.m.

To participate in the event, contact Kathryn Mariani at (215) 380-0842.