STUDENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Join HLF on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, for the best in HDSB student talent, live on stage, and in the art exhibition at Burlington Central High School in Burlington.
HLF’s Students in the Spotlight will showcase amazing performances in singing, musical, dance, visual arts, and other performances by HDSB’s secondary and elementary schools.
It’s an evening of family entertainment that promises to delight all ages with performers from across Halton Region.
This year, we’re expanding the spotlight off stage! We are giving more students the chance to show their talents. Students can now shine through their artwork in the brand-new Art Exhibition.
If you are an HDSB student and interested in performing live on stage on April 29, these are the key dates and steps:
- Complete the online application
- Make sure to submit your application by 5:00 pm on February 25, 2026.
- On March 12, you will be notified by email if your act has been selected to perform live on stage or in the art exhibition.
Students in the Spotlight is a fundraiser that will help HLF fulfill our mission to ensure that no student is left behind.
Please note that there will be a piano on stage for students wishing to perform.
The parent/photo waiver is required for all students under the age of 18. It will be sent to students selected to participate in the live performance and the art exhibition.
Sponsorships are available. Please feel free to reach out to Fadwa Hadeed at hadeedf@haltonlearningfoundation.ca for further details.
If you have any queries, please reach out to Fadwa Hadeed.
Tickets for Students in the Spotlight are on sale now! Get Yours
Watch the YourTV Halton coverage for Students in the Spotlight 2025.
Q&A
Elementary and secondary students from the Halton District School Board (HDSB) are invited to participate.
Students may submit:
Live performances (singing, dancing, instrumental, spoken word, etc.)
Visual or creative artwork for the Art Exhibition (drawing, painting, photography, digital art, handmade or 3D pieces submitted as photos)
No. Each student may submit one performance OR two to three artworks to ensure as many students as possible have the opportunity to participate.
A piano will be available on stage. Students must bring their own instruments for all other performances.
Tables will be provided to display artwork. Students are responsible for bringing their own easels or other display needs for the Art Exhibition.
Yes. If chosen, students may display a different artwork at the Art Exhibition.
Yes. Recorded music is allowed.
Students must provide the title of the music and the performer’s name (if it is not the student)
Music must be appropriate for a school-community audience.
Yes. Students may submit solo or group performances in a single submission.
Group submissions should list all participating students in the form.
Students should upload up to three clear images of their artwork:
JPEG or PNG format
2–5 MB file size
Minimum 2,000 pixels on the longest side
3D or handmade artwork should be submitted as a photograph of the piece.
Due to limited time and space, not all submissions can be featured. Every submission is appreciated, and students are encouraged to participate again in future years.
Students in the Spotlight celebrates creativity, confidence, and self-expression while supporting the work of the Halton Learning Foundation, helping students across Halton succeed.