Musical volunteers

Mike Dumey has led musical productions for students in Cape Girardeau for more than 20 years. Each year the musicals, which have up to 150 student performers, are an incredible display of talent and professionalism.

Pulling off these grand productions is a major feat. Dumey, a stage choir teacher at Central Junior High School, is a great talent and puts in countless hours to make the annual shows a success. But a number of volunteers are also instrumental in making the musicals the must-see productions they are.

Recently three longtime volunteers for Dumey's musicals were featured in the Southeast Missourian's TBY publication.

Mike's father, Ralph Dumey, has been the chief set designer for his son's productions. Though he says the art teachers handle the painting, Ralph is tasked with making sure the sets meet the needs of the production and can also be moved by the students.

Mimi Higgins has served as the major props and details go-to person since her oldest son was in one of Dumey's musicals at Schultz School. Though her sons are well past the seventh and eighth grades, she still enjoys helping with the musical props and learning new ideas. She has even started volunteering with college productions.

Pat Renard has worked with Dumey's productions for more than 20 years. Pat is involved in nearly all facets of costumes. From measuring to working with 20 volunteer seamstresses to sewing, washing and storing the costumes, Pat has put in many long hours to help make spectacular costumes for the cast members.

This year Central Junior High School will perform "Annie" May 3 to 5 at the junior high school auditorium. Tickets will be available in April.

Positive community events happy only because countless people volunteer their time and talents. Ralph, Mimi and Pat are representative of others who are local heroes in our community. Thank you to them and everyone else who volunteers, helping to make our community better.