U-46 TalentFest to showcase standout students

The seventh annual U-46 TalentFest will once again showcase the many talented high school performers in Elgin Area School District U-46. It will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, in the Hemmens Auditorium, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

The contest features 10 acts, made up of two finalists chosen from each of the five district high schools - Bartlett, Elgin, Larkin, South Elgin and Streamwood - who will perform for the audience.

After these 10 finalists perform, the audience will vote for their favorites.

The top five acts advance to the final round in the second half of the program.

Following intermission, the top five will perform for a panel of judges, who will select the first, second and third-place winners.

Winners will receive a cash prize as well as a commemorative plaque. In addition, the school whose acts receive the most total votes during intermission will be awarded the traveling TalentFest Trophy.

This year's celebrity judges are Bud Wilson, president of the U-46 Educational Foundation; Molly Miceli, member of the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission; and Ed Schock, former Elgin mayor and retired principal from Coleman Elementary School.

"The U-46 TalentFest will give students the opportunity to display their creativity outside of the classroom," said TalentFest coordinator Jeff Grosser. "This event will highlight their time, talent and dedication to their art."

The acts this year range from magic shows to singers and dancers. The U-46 Educational Foundation and the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission co-sponsor the event.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at www.u-46.org or at the door.