Just Hanging Out

When school is over and they are finished with their duties is when you get to really see who these kids are.

Beautiful - Funny - Energetic- Sweet

The often find a camera...

and sometimes the pictures are blurry.

They love to show off their new skills.

They love to take funny pictures and see the results.

They love their Rising Star Family! 

They like to hang around.

They even get their House Mothers in the games.

They love to swing and their favorite part is the "under dog."

They love to dance!

Cartwheels, handsprings, handstands... love them all.

And always a good game of basketball.

Independence Day

 On August 15th, 1947 India declared their Independence as a soveregn nation.  This August 15th the Rising Star students celebrated with flag raising, marching presentation and we ended with speeches, dancing and skits.

Before the presentations started the kids mingled with the guests and took pictures with their friends and family.  

Everyone was pinned with an Indian flag in celebration.

When the outdoor activities finished we moved into the dining hall for the speeches, dances and skits.

At the end of all the presentations everyone was given a departing treat.

Happy Independence Day!

Sing My Angels of Music

One of the after school activities at Rising Star is choir.  The kids auditioned and have their practices every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 PM with their Choir Director Berlyn Prince.

Performances are about every three weeks when they perform with Life Dance for the departing volunteers. With these frequent performances, those of us that are here for longer are able to see the improvements that they are making and the confidance they get everytime they stand beforetheir peers and friends and share their talents.

Below are some pictures of a typical choir practice.

Ragu, Akash, Balakumar, P. Vijay, and Basha are pictured above.

After weeks of practicing and learning a new song they were able to perform at the Volunteer Performance  this past Thursday which was Berlyn's performance before leaving for home.  The song was So Long, Farewell  from the musical Sound of Music and included solos from some choir members.  Their performance brought cheers from everyone and there might have been a few tears as well!  We are so proud of our choir!

Rising Star Super Kings vs. The Marriott

Today was a BIG day here at Rising Star!  This was a day that they have been preparing for and looking forward to for a long time.   The Marriott Crew came and fed them an awesome lunch and challenged the boys to a cricket match. 

The Rising Star team named themselves after the Chennai Cricket Team.  The Chennai Super Kings.  They all bought their jersey out of the Star Store over the past few weeks to wear for this match.  They were all matching in their yellow shirts and back pants.  

Here the team is getting ready by eating a hearty lunch!

After lunch everyone converged on the cricket field and watched the two teams warm up.

The Rising Star Coaches talked strategy.

The game started and the Rising Star Super Kings are hitting first.

Arun

Ismail and Krishnamoorthy

At one point Ismail was picked up by the other team and removed from the pitch because he was playing too well. 

He then proceeded to get more runs for his team!

Joseph and Ismail running to score some of the last points of their inning. 

By half time the fans were ecstatic! The Super Kings had 50 points!

It was their turn to take the field.

Our scorekeepers.

Mohan bowling

Deepenraj making a throw 

Celebrations happened at every out.

Naveenraj bowling.

Vimal bowling.

And a throw for an out!  Naveenraj to Vimal

Joseph was our last bowler for the game.

Here is the Marriott team enjoying the sideline with the Rising Star Kids.

The big question is ....  WHO WON?

Rising Star Super Kings were able to hang onto their lead and beat the Marriott team.

And the crowed goes wild!

Thank you to the Marriott for such a fun filled day!

 Rising Star's Super Kings!