Macy's Dept Stores Awards ECMS $1000 Grant For Christmas Production

The Edmonson County Middle School will be bringing holiday cheer and charm to the community this year with a performance of “Yes, Virginia The Musical,” an original production based on the true story of 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon, whose curiosity about the existence of Santa Claus inspired her to write a letter to the “New York Sun” newspaper in 1897 and prompted one of the most famous newspaper editorials of all time.

"Yes, Virginia The Musical” was created by Macy’s as part of its annual holiday Believe campaign and has been performed by hundreds of schools and other groups each holiday season since 2012. Since the program’s launch, the retailer has offered $100,000 in grant funds each year to help alleviate production costs, and Edmonson County Middle School is one of this year’s recipients of a $1,000 grant. The performance of “Yes, Virginia The Musical” will take place on December 18, 2015, 10:00 AM in the Darrel M. Cassady Auditorium. 
 
ECMS is one of only 100 schools and non-profit community organizations across the country to be offered a $1,000 grant from Macy’s as part of this year’s musical program. Grant recipients use their funds to purchase everything from costumes and set materials to sound and lighting equipment. In addition, Macy’s provides the script and score for “Yes, Virginia The Musical” royalty free to all interested organizations and has created a comprehensive digital toolkit on yesvirginiamusical.com that includes helpful videos, an interactive script and production reference materials to help groups stage their performances. 

Charla Caudill, Library Media Specialist for ECMS, will be overseeing the production that will involve 20 students. "This production allows our students to gain experience in musical, dance and dramatic performance," she said. "It also allows students to experience different jobs in theater such as directing, lights, sound, set design, costume and make up. The students and I are very grateful to Macy's for the grant they have provided ECMS. The money has helped us purchase audio equipment, costumes, and stage props."

---