HOISINGTON — When it was announced that the entertainer for the 2020 Barton County Conservation District annual meeting, country singer Ricky Fugitt, had to cancel at the last minute because he caught the flu, sighs of disappointment could be heard. When it was further announced that a 12-year-old girl would take his place, playing guitar and singing, eyes rolled, and the crowd prepared to listen politely. When Jadynce Schroeder was introduced, and proceeded to sing one country music ballad after another, those gathered at the banquet began to realize that they were witnessing something truly rare and great.  

Jadynce Schroeder may be only 12, but already has her performance chops. It turns out she’s only been playing guitar for a year now, but it’s not the instrument that wowed the crowd. It’s her voice that stands out. And as her set neared the end, and no one could imagine being any more delighted, she saved the best for last. 

Schroeder performed a song she wrote herself, “Not Today,” which addressed bullying. The simple yet poignant lyrics have the power to immediately bring listeners back to the schoolyard, and feel the emotions of fear, sadness and frustration, as well as gratitude in finding a friend when they’re at their lowest. 

The performance garnered the Great Bend youth a standing ovation from the nearly 80 guests at the banquet. 

“This young lady’s talent is something Barton County should be proud of,” said a stunned Tom Burns, president of the BCCD. 

Crystal Schroeder is Jadynce’s mother. She and husband Brian encouraged Jadynce with voice lessons and later guitar lessons when she began showing interest in performing. Jadynce is a student of Glenna Gaunt, owner of Gaunt’s Music Studio, and will be performing in the Barton Community College musical production of “Cinderella” in March as a member of the ensemble. 

Gaunt brings in master class teachers to work with students, Crystal said. One of these teachers was familiar with Music Theater Wichita, and encouraged her to audition for a show. She has since performed in two productions, “The Little Mermaid” and “Newsies.” 

Jadynce enjoys music theater, but her goal is to be a professional singer, Crystal said. She began working with Patrick McCluskey, learning to play the guitar around a year ago. 

Her parents are committed to helping her any way they can, Crystal said, but it’s up to Jadynce to open doors. 

When BCCD board member Melissa Woydziak, Jadynce’s aunt, contacted Crystal in a panic Thursday afternoon, she was excited for the opportunity to help out. Opening doors does not appear to be a problem.