Young performers packed with talent took to the stage in Mt. Airy Friday for the 34th Annual Cornelia Kiwanis Talent Showcase. The audience at Habersham Central High School Auditorium witnessed some stiff competition. The evening was divided into elementary, middle school and high school age divisions. Acts of all types were performed before a panel of judges who selected the top three finishers in each division.
High School Division
The violin-playing duo of Faith and Lily West won the High School Division and overall talent competition with their outstanding performance of “Death by Triple Fiddle.” They received a trophy, a $500 scholarship and an invitation to perform at the state Kiwanis talent show competition in Albany later this year.
Cameron Scofield won second place in the High School Division for her rendition of the “The Wizard and I” from the popular Broadway musical Wicked. Ninth grade magician Daniel Purcell placed third out of the ten high school performers for his illusionist act. Other high school performers were Joel Goss, Maggie Smagur, Alexandra Lastinger, Brianna Bakoldeis, Nicole Holcomb, Jennifer Kulow and Ryan Long
Middle School Division
Three students performed in the Middle School Division and each took home a trophy. Charleigh Wilbanks took home top honors with her whimsical rendition of “Taylor the Latte Boy.” Catie Long (“Stuck Like Glue”) placed second and Mariah Peck won third for her rendition of the Adele favorite “Rolling in the Deep.”
Elementary Division
The Elementary Division was the largest, with twelve students competing for top prize. Zoe Simmons captured first place for her rousing rendition of the song “Shy” from the movie/musical Once Upon a Mattress. Dancer Brooke Blackburn (“Old Time Rock & Roll”) and singer Shyanne Rinefierd (“Country”) placed second and third, respectively. Other performers in the Elementary Division were Adrian Ramsey, Madeline Palmer, Kylee Williams, Ariel Schwartz, Quinton Sharpe, Noah Casey, Emily Graham, Avery Graham and Emma Forester.
Sharing their talents for a good cause
The students had to audition for a spot in Friday’s talent show. Shyanne Rinefierd says, “The audition process was quite easy. You had to sign a form and then had to REALLY perform to get a spot for the show.” Kylee Adams who peformed, “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart,” learned about the talent show from her vocal coach, Ms. Lilly of Clarkesville, who helped her rehearse for the big night.
Cornelia Kiwanis Club Talent Show Co-Chair Barbara Traver says she’s pleased with the level of talent and turnout at Friday’s event. “I hope the students enjoy the experience of being able to peform and being onstage. It is most important for our high school students because the winner continues on to our state competition in Albany, Georgia, and has a chance of winning a $3,500 scholarship.”
Kiwanis is an international civic organization dedicated to serving children. Cornelia Kiwanis does that through a variety of programs including high school scholarships and the Toys for Kids Christmas campaign. All proceeds from Friday night’s talent show will go to fund scholarships for HCHS students.
Photo Gallery
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