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Draven Patterson, right, presents a rose to Ella Young during the 2025 Blast From the Past. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

Noah Sullivan performed as Elvis Presley during this year’s Blast From the Past. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

Elizabeth Cleckler, left, and Maggi Harrison in costume during their performance. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

Luke Owen holding up Mary Henning Dale during this year’s Blast From the Past. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

Isha Smitherman during her singing performance. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

Addie Ingram was a dancer and singer during this year’s Blast From the Past. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

Dennis Mitchell in costume during his performance. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

A group of dancers during this year’s Blast From the Past. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

Gunner Navarro and Cambree Crumpton performing a dance routine. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

Addison Cordell dancing during this year’s Blast From the Past. (TAMMY GENTRY | CONTRIBUTED)

By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Chilton high school students put on three unforgettable performances on Feb. 21-23 for the 2025 edition of Blast From the Past. Over 125 students were involved with the beloved student production this year from the singers, dancers and production crew that featured students from all six high schools in the county. Twenty-five classic songs were performed by the students in front of a full house inside the Chilton County High School auditorium.

“We thought it was a great show and are so proud of the kids,” Sheri McKee, Blast From the Past Coordinator, said. “They had so much talent, and they were easy to work with. You cannot ask for more than that — talent and easy to work with.”

McKee was impressed with the handful of freshmen lead singers during this year’s production. The freshmen students stepped up when needed, and McKee said it is always promising to have younger talent take that step. The performance of “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon was among McKee’s favorites as the entire ensemble of singers and dancers came together for a memorable performance.

“These kids were wonderful, very talented and we love showing them off,” McKee said. “I love that room and all of the possibilities and opportunities it provides.”

Everyone who comes out to Blast From the Past is bound to hear one of their favorite songs with tracks from the past and present. This year’s track list included Elvis Presley’s 1956 hit “Heartbreak Hotel” to Taylor Swift’s 2019 song “Paper Rings,” and many years in between. The production included performances of “King of the Road” by Roger Miller, “Turn on the Radio” by Reba McEntire, “Wannabe” by The Spice Girls, “Since You’ve Been Gone” by both Kelly Clarkson and ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic and more.

All proceeds raised through Blast From the Past goes towards scholarships for seniors from each school who participated in the performances.

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