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Performers in different age groups sparkle at annual talent competition.
By EBONY WINDOM
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 18, 2003
It was their time to shine.
The spotlight was on the 38 acts in the annual Heritage Arts Center Association's Spotlight on Talent competition at Wesley Chapel High School's auditorium last week. The competitors were grouped by ages and a category was added for group performances. Winners took home trophies for their efforts. First place winners also received a $100 cash prize. Second place winners took home $75 cash and third place won a $50 prize. In Group 1, ages 7-11, first place went to Rachel Hernandez, 11, who played Cyclone on the piano. Another pianist, Olivia de la Rosa, 7, won second place. Elizabeth LaRue, 11, won third place for a song from the musical My Fair Lady. Honorable mention went to Sydney Pashley, 7.
In Group 2, ages 12-14, vocalist Suzanne Hughes, 13, won first place for the third straight year. Ballerina Aly Coscia, 14, won second place and Miranda Ross, 12, clogged her way into third place. Britney Mowrey won honorable mention.
In Group 3, ages 15-18, first place went to baton twirler Kayla Pate. Second place went to dancer Amanda Morris. Singer Gentry Mander, 15, took home third place. Sarah Peterson won honorable mention for her cello performance.
In the group category, the acrobatic dance team "Les Etoiles" took home first place. The Pine View Middle Jazz Band won second place, and a piano duet by Emily Foster and Sarah Peterson won them third place. Honorable mention went to Jessica Avalos and Marc Quiles for their vocal duet The Prayer.
The show is held to raise scholarship money for local students pursuing careers in the performing arts.