Whether or not you watch ‘award shows,’ I can tell you one thing; the Tony Awards are the most American event of all.

First of all, the performances at the ‘Tonys’ are a celebration of America’s best. The talent and effort is beautiful and amazing to watch. Secondly, when the recipients of the awards make their acceptance speeches, they are universal in their support of real Americans and what could make our nation great in the future; post Trump. It is an uplifting event, and one which is patriotic and based on reality.

If you did not watch the show on Sunday night, you missed one of the greatest events in 2018. The Drama Club of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was invited to not only attend, but to perform. The energy inside of Radio City Music Hall and in my home was amazing. These high school students were the stars of the event, and will remain in my thoughts for a very long time. They are America’s future; Trump and his old, white congress are the past. To put it simply, they gave, and give me hope.

Op-ed by James Turnage

Photo courtesy of The Huntington

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