Living the Dream finalists at the Holland Center

January 16, 2023 was the fifth annual Living the Dream competition at the Holland Center. This partnership between the City of Omaha and O-pa invites 7-12th graders from across the metro to create and perform original poetry, song, dance and more to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Students submitted creative works inspired by how they are "Living the Dream" in their daily walk. About 30 students were then selected to perform on the Holland stage on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, expressing themselves on topics of racism, equality and social justice.

"They have this outlet now to be able to get their message out," said Event Director Gerald Kuhn. Read more »

Schools represented include Jesuit Academy, Westview, North, Central, Mercy, Ralston, Benson, and Bellevue West High Schools and Lewis & Clark, Norris, Nathan Hale, Beveridge and Buffett Middle Schools.

This year was O-pa’s first “Staff Day of Service” in which all staff members spent time volunteering backstage or helping welcome over 300 attendees to this important event.

Watch the livestream.