A Talent Show for Hope: Tuscarawas County’s Got Talent is Much More

  • By Teri Stein
  • March 25, 2013
  • 344
                        
Summary: The energy in the Newcomerstown Middle School auditorium was electric as guests and a talented group of performers came together to entertain, have fun, and help raise money to provide hope in the fight against cancer. A Talent Show for Hope: Tuscarawas County’s Got Talent is Much More The 4th annual Tuscarawas County’s Got Talent show held on Sat. March 23 at Newcomerstown Middle School was truly an event that confirmed as fact its title and an event with a lot of heart. Its contestants worked hard to present their best performances and they cheered each other on as the entertaining show thrilled its guests with a total of 25 acts. Organizer Cindy Staggs was pleased with the variety of acts at the show which raises funds for cancer research. “We have a sell out tonight and it’s our largest number of acts we’ve had in the show. It includes pianists, guitar, vocal, a Michael Jackson impersonator, an Elvis impersonator, tap dance, ballet, and gymnasts,” said Staggs. The show is a fundraiser for the Building Bridges cancer fighting team; the team was formed after a friend, Cindy Bridges, was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Building Bridges also participates in the Relay for Life but we wanted to expand to bigger things,” said Staggs of the talent show. Every other year the group sends two members to participate in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure three day walk. “We try to continuously raise funds because its costs $2300 per person for them to go.” This year’s talent show was held in honor of cancer survivor Catherine “Cat” Marlatt-Mitchell who was unable to attend though everyone in the crowd got to know her through her beautiful photo and the words of a friend, Tricia Buss, which appeared in the program. “I have been blessed by Cat and her strength. She touches everyone she comes in contact with. Even on her chemo treatment days, it wasn’t a sad time, it was a “party,” in “Cat’s chemo chair,” where we would order food, play cards, laugh, and laugh a lot,” wrote Buss. “I know this journey has been a long one. She never lost her sense of humor and compassion for others.” A 50-50 drawing held at the event also raised money to help with Cat’s medical expenses. The overall award show winners were: 1.) The Advanced Tumbling Team comprised of Mevada Morehead, Alexis Shaw, Heather Grewell, Clayton Callender, Kylee Dean, and Olivia McDonough 2.) The Lyrical Ballet Team comprised of Kiana Ghezzi, Kate Montgomery, Hunter Porcher, Elisabeth Stark, Marissa Suslowitz, Shauna Cox, and Kira Smalley 3.) Kayla Cowdery, an accomplished country singer. The top three vocal winners were: 1.) Marc Davis who performed the song “I’m Already There” 2.) Mya Dansby who got points for originality as she sang along to the beat of a plastic cup being turned and hand slaps on the stage floor provided by a friend 3.) Kylie Butler who sang “Set Fire to the Rain” a song made popular by Adele. “If you do that a thousand times more you’ll be right up there in the same league with Adele,” said one of the judges in his comments after her performance. Taking the first three places in instrumental were: 1.) Katie Donohoe, who with only 1 ½ years of piano experience impressed the judges who heard no mistakes in her performance 2.) Randy Miller for his talented guitar playing 3.) Alaina John, a 2nd grader for her fantastic first time performance of “Someone Like You.” For dance the awards went to: 1.) Clayton Callender, a Michael Jackson impersonator 2.) Kenadi Sours who presented a modern dance and gymnastic routine 3.) Predance Lollipops, a group who won over the judges hearts by dancing to the song Lollipop and blowing kisses. The judges also selected their favorites and presented them each with a star trophy. Judge Ryan Styer selected Bob Casterline who performed as Elvis as his favorite, Denny Vlahos liked vocalist Martha Casterline as his favorite, Todd McCune awarded a star to vocalist Lyssa Canalas, and Richelle Lefler liked vocalist Betina Scott. Emcee Chris Lipinski also picked his favorite – vocalist Chelsea Gardner.


Loading next article...

End of content

No more pages to load