What Makes Someone A Star?

Durant Main Street Program annually hosts Dancing with the Stars, and this years event is right around the corner. We want to give the best performance of all time and are on the quest to find the perfect stars and dancers for this years event. Exactly what is it that makes someone a star? 

There were a few members of Durant and surrounding communities that we asked  this question, “What is it that makes someone a Star?”. They had some interesting answers. After interviewing students from 2nd grade through 7th grade, they seem to have come up with several answers to our question. However,  in some shape or form all answers pointed to a few basic components. The students seem to believe that through talent combined with hard work, dedication, and a good attitude one can achieve “star” quality

First lets look at how, in they eyes of our youth, skills and someone’s talent is related to being a star. They seem to agree that if you possess enough talent and obtain outstanding skills your performance will be recognized, but talent alone is not enough. It takes work and practice. When asked the question about what makes someone a star, eight year old Leighton Roberts replied, “A lot of sparkles, if they are a good singer, and taking classes”. See, although she said you need sparkles (ha, ha) and the talent to sing, she also realized that it takes work, and practice through taking classes. Another student thats comment was comparable to Miss Roberts, was from 11 year old Josh Williams. Josh said, “Someone is a star because they are good at something and they practice and that makes them good.” Again, just being good is not enough, in their eyes it takes practice as well. 

Another quality that the students commented on was “personality”. Students seemed to think that you need to be kind, nice, and funny to possess “star” quality. Nine year old Hannah Wilson said, “I’d say that their personality would make them a star,” going on to insinuate that a person is liked by people because they are both friendly and nice. Agreeing, eight year old Rayelyn Whitson commented about how personality could make you a star by stating, “If they did so many funny jokes and they got their own TV show.” So being funny and bringing joy to someone’s life is important too, which goes back to personality.

So far it seems that talent mixed with hard work, and a great personality are huge necessities in becoming a star. What about attitude? The children also mentioned the importance of attitude and having faith in your self. After mentioning music, dancing and signing, eight year old Tallie Smith added to her comment saying, “AND If they believe in themselves” Even the children seem to understand that your thoughts are powerful, and having heart is huge. This brings us to a great topic. HEART!

We’ve all heard a comment about having “heart”. Maybe it was “Put your heart and soul into everything you do”, or “ where your treasure is there will be your heart”. Whatever it is, it is clear to see and that our youth have spoken. To be a positive person of influence, hard work, talent, and personality are great. BUT  we need to learn to focus on our heart. Believing in yourself and others around you. Believe in your community and see the potential with in. Find ways to enlarge your heart so that you may be able to influence and help others less fortunate. 

We are all in this together and the sooner we pull together the better off we will be. One place we can start at growing together is working on our heart, and one way we  enlarge our heart is by giving. Remember there is always someone worse off than you, and giving doesn’t have to be limited to your money, or your time. 

Forgiving is also giving. If you find you don’t have money to give, or can’t find time to give in your busy schedule, maybe there is a tiny bit of forGIVEness you can give. I guarantee doing so will free up some space in your heart and it will instantly be enlarged.

On a lighter note,  thirteen year old Zachary Potts commented that in order for a person to be a star, “They must have 5 points”. Although he was actually joking, Durant Main Street agrees with our youth on this one. The 5 points listed above should be adequate enough to make a pretty awesome star.

We invite you to attend our even Dancing with the Stars, and celebrate our community stars. These are people that have shown talent, dedicated hard work year after year, have great personalities, always display great attitudes, and most importantly give back to the community with a pure heart. We are thankful for all their support and would love everyone to come out to show them how much we appreciate them.

For more information on upcoming events, volunteering, or donations contact us at manager@durantmainstreet.org, find us on FB, or visit our website at www.durantmainstreet.org