They sang, danced and tapped their way onto the stage at the CVIC Hall, Saturday, for the eighth annual Stars of Tomorrow Talent Showcase.
The first-place winner, who was awarded a $1,250 scholarship, was Rachel Jackson, who sang the song "Home," from "Beauty and the Beast."
Jackson also won the "people's choice" award, for an additional $250.
"She walked away with $1,500 in scholarships," said committee member Ann Delahay. "She was very good. She has a lot of natural talent."
The Record-Courier Publisher Janet Geary, who was one of the judges, said, "(Jackson) was absolutely fabulous. She could be on Broadway."
Stars of Tomorrow is open every year to high school students who would like to participate. Raechel Prosser took second place this year, $750, for her tap dance solo to the music "Die Another Day," with Denise Aiazzi accompanist. Third place, $500 went to lyrical jazz dance duo Kevin Nelson and Serena Bartholomew who danced to "You'll Be In My Heart." Fourth place, $250, was awarded to Kassie MacMillan, a lyrical jazz dance soloist who performed to "Part of Your World."
The first place and "people's choice" scholarships were funded by the Kiwanis Club of Carson Valley, presenters of the event. The second place scholarship was sponsored by Byron Waite, MTM Capital Services, and co-sponsored by ReMax Realty Affiliates. Third place was sponsored by Maxton Manufacturing and fourth place by Carson Valley Medical Center.
Kat Simmons was master of ceremonies for the fourth year of the event.
"She did an excellent job," said Delahay.
The Stars of Tomorrow Talent Showcase began as a memorial to Gene Zimmerman, former president of Kiwanis who was killed in a car crash in 1998. According to Delahay, Zimmerman had been elected as lieutenant governor of Kiwanis, division 45, prior to his accident.
"That's when we started this, after his death, in memory of him," said Delahay. "(The event is) considered to be a service project as a vehicle to award scholarships to students."
Attendance was low this year, at around 150 instead of the usual 200-250, according to Delahay.
"The silent auction went pretty well," she said. "We raised a little over $2,700."
Entertainment included a performance by The Knights of Trombone: Daniel Bigelow, Andy Martin and Nick Granger. Other students who competed were: Vocal soloist Meagan Maxwell, "Weight of the World"; baritone saxophone soloist Rachael McElhiney, "Russian Sailor's Dance," accompanist, Buffy Stockton; hip-hop dance soloist Janel Davis, "Hat Dance"; ballet soloist Aleesah Michelle Herup, "Romeo and Juliet"; vocal soloist Elise Hansen, "Think of Me" from "Phantom of the Opera"; saxophone duet by Racheal McElhiney and Doug Dorman to "Minnie, the Moocher"; vocal soloist Matt Simmons, "Exultate Justi," accompanist Buffie Stockton; tenor saxophone soloist Dougie D. and His Horn (Doug Dorman), "Romance and Troika"; and a vocal quartet The Quadruple Duple Squad (Andy "Punky" Martin, Michaelyn "Chicky" McElhiney, Michael "Mikey" Avila and Rachael "Moochie" McElhiney) performing "Mother I Will Have a Husband."
At the conclusion of competition, the audience was entertained by: tap dance soloist Bailey Gumm, "You've Got A Friend In Me"; lyrical dance soloist Caraleigh Bales, "Here I Am"; and violin soloist Michael Lesmes, "Partita #3, First Movement."
Other sponsors included: David Walley's Resort; Scolari's Food and Drug; Jessica Jensen; Mountain Dental; Pizza Barn; Wayne's Family Music, which provided the piano; and Bouquet & Bouquet, which provided roses for the girls for the eighth year. Additionally, Allen Gumm and the Carson Valley Middle School Production Department video taped the event, and The Record-Courier, Nevada Appeal and Channel 26 provided publicity.Kiwanis host
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