The talent show is an annual tradition which beats the boredom that comes with the last day before winter break. Numerous acts took the stage on Tuesday before break to showcase their talents, ranging from singing to instrument playing— or both.
The winners were as follows:
First Place – Alice Ravert, Savanna Farley, Grace Barkausus, Christian Berwanger, who sang “White Christmas”
Second Place – Lea Beishline and Ethan Thomas, who sang “Anyone Else but You”
Third Place – Alex Martinyuk who played cello
Fan Favorite – Boston Hazen, who played piano
Auditions were held from Dec. 2 to Dec. 8. Sophomore Christian Berwanger spoke about why his group auditioned and his experience on stage.
“We decided to audition because the four of us together would bring a different aspect to the show and bond us together,” said Berwanger.
The singers presented a cover of “White Christmas” by The Drifters, sung in the famous movie “Home Alone”. “I felt very excited. I had never sung so low before, and I enjoyed seeing people’s shocked faces,” said Berwanger about what it was like to be on stage.
Other acts included Senior Noah Rakestraw, who swept the stage when he sang “Love” by Keyisha Cole.
“Ever since I was the ripe age of seven, I knew I had the vocal power to shock the world,” said Rakestraw.
Rakestraw said he learned to “overcome [his] fears,” from auditioning and performing at the show.
Two acts featured recurring performers. Sophomore Estella Smelko made a return this year with an original parody of “When Will My Life Begin“ from “Tangled”. The parody is titled “When Will Break Begin”, in which Smelko longs to be rid of schoolwork and annoying classmates.
“My experience this year was a lot different. There were less people, and I felt like I was more prepared this year,” said Smelko when asked about how her experience has differed from last year.
Meanwhile, Junior Alex Martyniuk played the cello, changing things up from last year where he played the banjo and sang.
“I decided this year to do something more classical instead of folk,” said Martyniuk. “It would be better this year and fit the atmosphere of the town more.”
Martyniuk said he enjoys playing all of his instruments, but that cello is his “main instrument” and the one he “prioritizes”.
Auditions for next year will open in December, and students interested in participating will be welcomed.
Smelko tells students to consider auditioning next year to “Go for it!” she said. “If you make a fool of yourself, we’re all there for a good time so it doesn’t matter.”
Featured photo (At top): Seniors Alice Ravert, Savanna Farley, and Grace Barkausus, and Sophomore Christian Berwanger perform a choir cover of “White Christmas”. The quartet received a $10 Starbucks gift card for winning first place. Photo by Ryleigh McConnaughhay.
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