Hope of America

Propaganda. Patriotism. Sing-alongs. Hope of America. Staff photographer James Roh's response when told over the phone that he would be shooting it for the second year in a row: "Oh, God, please no. No no no no..."

... but wait! The intern! Give it to the intern. Me. "No worries," I thought. Right? Wrong!

Members of Jean's Golden Girls await their chance in the spotlight backstage before entering the 16th annual Hope of America Student Showcase on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Over 6,000 fifth grade students from 70 Utah County schools came together for the event.

Over 6,000 fifth grade students from 70 Utah County schools wave their flags in unison during the 16th annual Hope of America Student Showcase on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Children perform "America Rocks" at the 16th annual Hope of America Student Showcase on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Over 6,000 fifth grade students waved flashlights in the darkness of the performance space during the song "We Can Be a Light" at the 16th annual Hope of America Student Showcase on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.