Nation Ford High student artists, writers and performers will get a chance to show off their talents tomorrow night during the school's first Caffeine Scene.

Organized by art students and the student staff of the high school's fledgling literary magazine, "Voices," the festival will feature artwork produced by photography and drawing students, poetry and short story readings, two short, student-written plays and performances by student vocalists and bands.

Free coffee, tea and treats provided by the school's culinary arts students will also be available. The event is expected to end at around 8:30 p.m.

"We hope it's a great success and the beginning of a great tradition," creative writing teacher Chuck Walker said.

Before moving to Nation Ford, Walker and art teacher Brenda Stewart helped Fort Mill High students run a similar event called Coffee House.

"We did it over there (Fort Mill High) a couple of years and wanted to do something over here (Nation Ford High) to help showcase the arts," Walker said.

Walker wants to hold Caffeine Scene every spring, the same semester his creative writing students produce "Voices." All 12 of his writing students contributed to the 32-page magazine, which includes short fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction, photography and artwork. One of the nonfiction pieces is an interview with David Williamson Jr., one of the Friendship Nine who were arrested in Rock Hill for protesting segregation in Rock Hill during the Civil Rights movement.

The rest of the student body was able to contribute to "Voices" through a school-wide writing contest, Walker said. Caffeine Scene is doubling as the "Voices" launch party, and copies will be available for $5.

Student art, chosen by the students, will be on display throughout the school's E-wing beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Then at 7 p.m. the live performances will start in the auditorium with readings of poetry and short stories.

Then students will take to the stage to perform two student plays, "Noah's Clay," written and directed by Tommy Werner, and "The Journey," written and directed by Christine Cunningham.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets at the door cost $3.