Manado Independent School (MIS) recently held its 21st Music Concert and 9th Art Exhibition on November 25-26, 2024, in the school’s auditorium. The event, which drew admiration from attendees, showcased the talents of MIS students and brought the community together in a spirit of charity.
“As we approach Christmas, we wanted to present this concert as a way to raise funds for those in need within the MIS community,” explained Dr. Vijay Khollabatulah, principal of MIS High School. “We hope this effort brings joy and blessings to those around us.”
Valerie Tooy, a Grade 11 student, described the impact of the event: “This concert will undoubtedly be remembered by us all. The annual concert takes us out of our normal academic routine—it’s a moment where the entire school comes together for a greater purpose.” She also emphasized the collaborative spirit: “We all have a role to play—whether it’s managing the stage or ushering guests, everyone contributes.”
The event featured performances from students ranging from elementary to high school, all contributing to the joyful atmosphere. Under the theme “The Legend of Music,” the program aimed to raise funds through ticket sales, song auctions, and the sale of paintings and handicrafts to support several orphanages, including:
- Rapi Orphanage, Manado
- Melania Orphanage, Langowan
- Love Language Orphanage, Bitung
- Ina 2 Nursing Home, Karombasan
- Needy individuals in the MIS community
The concert included a variety of performances, from singing and instrumental pieces to musical theater, all of which moved the audience and filled them with pride. Meanwhile, the art exhibition, held in the school lobby, displayed an impressive array of student-created paintings and crafts. Each piece was executed with unique techniques and carried personal meaning for the artists. The arts class chose the theme “The Legends We Grew Up With,” drawing inspiration from beloved novels, Disney characters, and iconic pop culture figures. Similarly, the craft class focused on video game and movie characters that shaped students’ childhoods. Beyond showcasing their work, students were motivated by the opportunity to support children in orphanages.
