On Thursday May 4th Naugatuck High School DECA hosted its 9th annual Rip The Runway show. This year’s show was directed by DECA President Kyla Magalhaes, and the 2017 show “This is What You Came For” will be the last one for Mr. Reilly, marketing teacher and DECA adviser, because he is retiring after the 2016-2017 school year. This year there were 19 performances and 6 Runway Segments.

The show started as an idea to raise money for the DECA students to attend Nationals every year. Originally a fashion show, Mr. Reilly decided to add talent. Auditions were held and Rip the Runway was born.

This year’s show opened with Saranda Cermenika, Dale Wakeley, and Mrs. Jennifer Fatone performing, “The Prayer.” The song was originally performed by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion in both English and Italian. This was a beautiful piece to open up the night.

The show was hosted by junior, Bridget Rosikiwicz and senior, Ukti Ishanpara. Throughout the night the audience enjoyed many different types of performances, including comical segments, amazing vocals, and some great dance numbers.

Elijah Quinones performed an amazing dance interrupted by Eric Cruz and a surprise return performance by Fejiro O

nakpoma, a return performer from the 2016 show. This cameo truly excited the crowd.

Emily Kropo performed 5 times throughout the night, on the piano and singing her original piece, “Discovery.”

Mr. Reilly was proud of his students and their performance.

“The show was 5 times better than any one before. Every performer had perfect pitch, high energy, and everyone came through and delivered an amazing performance,” he said.

Before the final performance of the night a short video of former and current students played, thanking Mr. Reilly for everything he has done. The video was a surprise retirement gift to him. Kyla Magalhaes, DECA president,  planned the gift.

“I wanted to do something very special for him. I wanted to make him proud and give him something he can remember for the rest of his life.”