National University’s student organization, the Fellowship of Christian University Students (FOCUS), held a talent show on Friday, July 15 to an appreciative audience that included faculty and staff along with students and their families. The event featured a wide range of talents, including a martial arts demonstration, a lighted hula-hoop performance, several vocal and instrumental acts and more.  The first and second place winners received trophies, which will be passed down to next year’s winners.

Winning first place was DC student Philip Ryan, who sang a set of tunes ranging from Nina Simone to Zayne and Taylor Swift.  In second place was DC student Philip Runge with a string bass and vocal performance.

The event was part of an ongoing effort to raise money for a special NUHS FOCUS project on an island off of Nicaragua.  The group is helping buy baseball uniforms and equipment for a group of 23 boys on the island. The children would like to have a baseball team, but can’t afford the necessary items to start one without help.

“It was a very successful event with lots of fun and surprises,” says FOCUS faculty advisor, Dr. Kristine Aikenhead. “We’re so happy to partner with the kids in Nicaragua and we hear that their new uniforms are begin designed right now! The funds we raise will make sure they have bats and balls and mitts and everything they need to form a real team.”

FOCUS is one of the many student organizations at National University combining social, networking, professional and charitable activities for students on campus. Student organizations and activities are some of the many ways the university creates a culture to support students’ hobbies, talents and interests.