D59's Got Talent event showcases student creativity

Posted April 25, 2016 11:00 pm

Submitted by District 59

James Ragusin, an eighth-grader at Holmes Junior High, performs a mash-up of famous guitar riffs for the D59's Got Talent Show crowd. Courtesy of District 59

On April 16, students throughout the District 59 showed both their talent and their dedication to developing it at the second annual D59's Got Talent show, sponsored and run by the CCSD59 Education Foundation.

The show, which was only four seats short of a total sellout, was even bigger and better than last year. The pride and enthusiasm of the students, for themselves and each other, was only matched by that of the crowd.

The variety and quality of talent acts performed by the students was truly astonishing. Piano, violin, and vocal solos were performed flawlessly. Gymnastics routines were dizzying in their speed and execution. Dancers performing everything from beautiful classic ballet to fun ensembles of funk and breakdance had the audience cheering. The final act was an electric guitar mash-up of famous guitar riffs which brought down the house and truly concluded the performances on a high note.

It had to be near impossible to be in the judge's booth, but the top three performances based on the judges' scores were:

First place: Natasha Sevilla, a seventh-grader at Friendship, for a violin solo of "Gigue" from Sonata in G Minor

Second place: Jessica Pomian, a fourth-grader at Robert Frost, for a vocal solo of "Cups"

Third place: Claire Moon, a third-grader at Juliette Low, for a piano solo of "Sonatina No. 9"

Offstage, the arts were also beautifully represented. Original selected artwork from students at all schools and several staff members were donated and auctioned off to help raise funds. These students, as well as the student whose design was selected for the program cover, were also brought up onstage to receive awards and recognition.

The event raised approximately $3,000 for the D59 Education Foundation. Jayne Wilkins-Scott, a member of the foundation and a main organizer of the event, said, "It is wonderful that the students' art and performance talents are used to help the foundation earn money, which in turn is going right back to the students in the form of grants. They truly are the stars that night, and every single one of them gave an amazing performance."

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Natasha Sevilla, a seventh-grader from Friendship Junior High, plays "Gigue" from Sonata in G Minor. Sevilla, who placed first, took home second place last year for a piano performance. Courtesy of District 59

Second place winner Jessica Pomian, a fourth-grader at Robert Frost, right and third place winner Claire Moon, a third-grader at Juliette Low, pose with their trophies at the D59's Got Talent Event. Courtesy of District 59

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