If you were anywhere else in the world and not inside the Warren County Middle School gym last Friday evening (May 30), you missed out on a historic event in our community.

Under the directorial helm of Nichole Gibbs and Cherita Smith, the WCMS Musical Theatre 8th period class stepped into the spotlight and performed A Little Bit of Magic in front of their families, Warren County Schools staff, and community theatre enthusiasts.

A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC, a stage production written by Gail Golden centers around “Do-Nothing Dale, a little picked-upon wizard, who wants to know what her little bit of magic is. On her journey to find out, she meets people like the laughing Coco the Clown and the singing Marilyn Melody, and she finds that she’s just as special as everyone else in the world.” (Source)

The magical night kicked off with a preshow featuring monologues from students, Lilly Byrd, Zha’niya Clark, and Elijah Pettus.

Nichole Gibbs, WCMS Theatre Arts teacher, prepped the audience for what would turn out to be an engaging and interactive event by breaking down Theatre Production 101 and what it takes to run a show by soliciting responses from the knowledgeable audience. Little did they know that, later in the evening, they, too, would be joining the actors on stage.

Overall, the show was amazing! There was singing. There was dancing. And best of all, we were so honored to witness these young talents at work. And with any good story, there was a lesson in the end: We all have that “something” that makes us special.

Who knows? Today, we’re applauding them in a school gymnasium. Tomorrow, it could be Broadway, and we can say we remember them when they got their start in Warren County.

Tickets for the show were $7, or $10 if one wanted to make a special shout-out.

Proceeds from the event helped cover costs for scripts, royalties, and security. Their future goal is to provide a starter fund for future WCMS Theatre Productions in order to produce shows on a larger scale.

If you’re interested in becoming a community partner or volunteer, contact Nichole Gibbs at ngibbs@warrenk12nc.org.

A Little Bit of Magic was presented by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Denver, Colorado.

Preshow Feature Monologues/Scenes
Lilly Byrd, Zha’niya Clark, and Elijah Pettus

Cast of Characters (By Order of Appearance)
Player One – Keymoni Fuller
Player Two – Madison Aycock
Player Three – A’shayla Hawkins
Jonathan Primiano, Jr.
Pianist – Caleb Hargrove
Wonder Wanda – Ameerah Steed
Magnificent Mervin – Elijah Harris
Do-Nothing Dale – Amaris Yancey
Marilyn Melody – Serenity Henderson
Coco the Clown – Kira Cunningham
Depressed Daisy – Veronica Stewart
Flowers – Players and Audience
The Weatherman – Zyier Belcher
Kalabash Turnbull
Princess Patricia – Arely Gandarilla

Ensemble
WCMS Musical Theatre 8th period class and The Audience

Production Staff
Artistic Director – Nichole Gibbs
Musical Director – Cherita Smith
Choreography – Nichole Gibbs, Kayla Smith
Stage Manager, Lights, Ensemble – Jimmy Thorpe, Jr.
Sound – Kira Cunningham, Nichole Gibbs
Costume, Props, and Set – Nichole Gibbs and Cast
Publicity – Pioneer Drama, Jimmy Thorpe, Jr. and Production Stff
Production Assistance – Kayla Smith, Ayaina Blake, Kierra Townes
Box Office – Robin Closs and WCMS Staff

WCMS Musical Theatre Troupe Presents "A Little Bit of Magic" (5/30/2025)

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The Warren Early College High School held its 2025 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, inside the Warren County Middle School gymnasium. Assistant District Attorney and an alumna of the inaugural WECHS graduating class, Khadijah T. Howze, Esq. served as the commencement speaker for the event.

Warren Early College High School Commencement 2025

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WATCH: Warren Early College High School Graduation 2025

Warren Early College High School (WECHS) is thrilled to announce that Khadijah T. Howze, Esq., a proud member of the school’s inaugural graduating class of 2013, will deliver the 2025 Commencement Address. Her remarkable journey from student to Assistant District Attorney is a powerful testament to perseverance, purpose, and the enduring impact of community.

Howze has deep roots in Warren County and an unwavering commitment to service. After graduating from WECHS, she earned her undergraduate degree from UNC- Greensboro and went on to earn her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Riverview, Florida in 2021. She was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in March 2024 and is also licensed to practice law in Washington, D.C.

On May 6, 2024, Howze was officially sworn in as an Assistant District Attorney by Resident Superior Court Judge Cindy K. Sturges. The moment was made even more meaningful by the presence of both of her grandmothers, who attended the ceremony. She now serves as District Court Assistant District Attorney for Warren County—joining the local team as the third Assistant D.A. and working out of the Warren County Courthouse.

Howze’s career is a shining example of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. Her story—rooted in service, scholarship, and strength—embodies the core values of WECHS and stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for current students and the broader community.

The Commencement Exercises for the WECHS Class of 2025 will be held on Friday, May 23, at 6:00pm at Warren County Middle School (118 Campus Drive, Warrenton).

Families, friends, and community members are invited to join in this celebratory event as we honor our graduates and welcome Khadijah T. Howze, Esq. back to inspire the next generation.