Highland students solve mystery with theater

On several mornings in November 2025 and January 2026, something special happened at Highland’s three elementary schools. Gyms and cafeterias became stages, the audience became part of the story, and hundreds of children experienced the wonder of live theatre, many for the first time.

Thanks to the Baker Family Leadership Fund at the Highland Foundation, students in grades 1-5 enjoyed “Squirrelock Holmes,” an interactive mystery performed by the Magical Theatre Company. To accommodate Sharon Elementary’s size, the show was offered twice, allowing every child to attend while preserving the close, interactive nature of the experience. Professional actors, imaginative storytelling and audience participation brought the arts directly into the schools, removing barriers and opening doors to creativity and connection.

Written by Craig Holland and directed by Dennis O’Connell, “Squirrelock Holmes” follows the world’s most absent-minded squirrel detective as he investigates the disappearance of sunflower seeds. Along the way, students help question a trio of quirky suspects: a tortoise, a crow and a mole.

“Watching the children so engaged in the story was remarkable,” Highland Foundation Board Chair Al Morrison said. “They listened closely, jumped at the chance to help solve the mystery, and filled the room with laughter and excitement. It was more than entertainment; you could actually see curiosity and confidence growing right in front of you.”

Learning did not stop when the curtain closed. Experiences like this build listening skills, critical thinking and creative expression that reach far beyond the stage. Teachers received study guides and instructional resources that allowed students to connect the performance to reading, writing and literary analysis before and after the show. Students explored themes, characters and storytelling techniques, making connections between written text and live performance, aligned with Ohio’s English Language Arts standards.

The opportunity was made possible through private philanthropy. A $650 grant per show covered the full cost of bringing professional theatre to each elementary building, ensuring every student could participate regardless of family resources.

What might seem like a small investment yielded shared joy, lasting memories and early exposure to the arts.

The Baker Family Leadership Fund was created to enrich learning, inspire leadership and expand opportunities for Highland students. “Squirrelock Holmes” accomplished all three, sparking imagination, inviting participation and reminding students that learning does not always happen at a desk. Sometimes, it happens when a squirrel detective asks for help.