There is perhaps no greater testament to the perseverance and determination of the human spirit than the high school talent show, especially one held in a gymnasium.

Teens, still capable of love and emotive to a fault, are guileless in their attempts to express themselves, to show us who they are. The world has not turned on them yet; they have not yet tasted the bitter ash of defeat.

Behold, then, this montage of acts from John H. Pitman High School talent show competition, which includes the requisite amateur stunt work, showmanship, and innumerable ballad performances every public school function will invariably include.

But the true honor belongs to the teen with impressive command of his hips as he recreates Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" dance moves, moonwalk and all. (He rightly won.) Watch to the end of the clip and enjoy the micro comedy of a fussy talent show student employee try to wrestle the mic away from our MJ spirit channeler.

Go Panthers.

[H/T Uproxx]