Juggling, plate-spinning, martial arts stick-fighting. These were among the circus acts performed by Highland Community School students at the fourth annual circus on Friday, Oct. 16. The gym was transformed from the school lunchroom to a circus scene with colorful parachutes hanging from the ceiling, bright holiday lights and calliope music.

When the show began, more than 60 students ages 6 to 9 took center stage in front of an audience of 300 enthusiastic fans. The performers were backed up by a student-run stage crew managing the show’s technical needs, from dramatic lighting to electrifying music. Highland’s circus performers brought cheers and a lot of laughs to the packed gym.