REVVED UP. “The High School Nation Tour started five years ago. We started to boost morale for students, and now it’s turned into supporting music and art programs. It originally started with our youngest brother who is playing today, traveling around the country to promote his band ten years ago. We would work with record labels where they would have a new release come out for an artist, and we would help spread the word to the high schools,” said Kevin Cantillon, co-founder of High School Nation. All photos courtesy of staff.

ROCK OUT. Seniors Adrian Oliver and Zachary Berger try out the drums at the instrument tent. Students were able to try out different instruments, including the drums, electric guitar, keyboard, and various sound equipment. High School Nation is building a recording studio for the SHS music department as part of their visit.

FREE SPIRIT. The sponsors for the event include Truth, Hollister, Guitar Center, Takis, and many others, who provided free merchandise and snacks to students to promote their causes. “The Takis snacks were good – and the music was really good, too. It’s fun because you can discover new artists like Beta Play, who I thought were really good,” said Valerie Timofeyev, 11.

GO ACOUSTIC. Petra Jarrar performs at the second stage at the High School Nation event. The lineup included performers such as Beta Play, Nikkis Wives, Plaid Brixx, Danger Scene, Kerri Medders, and more. These artists offered postcards, CDs, and t-shirts.

SAVED BY THE BELL. Drake Bell, the headlining artist for High School Nation, closes out the event. The former “Drake and Josh” star was eagerly anticipated by SHS students. He played some of his more recent songs like “Leaves” as well as the much-requested “Drake and Josh” theme song, “I Found a Way.”