Talent shines at Thurston

On Tuesday night, Thurston Middle School students held nothing back as they entertained parents, friends and family at their annual talent show.

But this year, all the dancing, music and other impressive talents had a more meaningful touch with the show dedicated to 11-year-old William McMurray, son of Penguin Cafe owners Sabrina and Michael McMurray. William, who has a brain tumor, would have been a Thurston student.

“His friend Michael Davidson wanted to do something and after speaking to the principal, the idea to dedicate the talent show was born,” a Facebook post read under the Supporting William Aiden McMurray page.

“It was a pleasure to be able to share our show with the McMurray family,” ASB teacher and talent show coordinator Stacy Quirarte wrote in an email. “William and his family were seated front and center.”

Final numbers have yet to be submitted, but Thurston’s ASB plans to donate at least $500 toward the foundation for William, she said.

“The TMS Talent show was a success as usual,” Quirarte said. “We had 14 talented acts, which included a few singing duos, a few solo artists, a few pianists, a couple of electric guitar performers, a Persian dancer, and a drum performer.”

A donation box also was put out to help the family, who doesn’t have medical insurance. The community has rallied around the McMurrays since their discovery of William’s tumor back in July, with several fundraisers being held.

— Alisha Gomez