Be A Star! Teen Showcase Highlights Local Talent

The "Be A Star! Teen Showcase" brought down the house recently at East High School. The grand prize winner of a donated laptop and cash prize was Shameaca Moore (top left) who presented a spoken word monologue. Second place winner of a donated cash prize was Elliot Bingham (top right) who was a vocalist and dancer. See more photos from the show here.

The Teen Talent Showcase began with auditions that were held on May 26 at South Side Settlement House and May 27 at St. Stephen's Community House. Out of over 60 auditions, 17 made the final showcase. They were: Meshack Land (vocalist), Misha Hemphill (vocalist), Nila Richards (flute), Marliese Hunter (vocalist), Alexis Pannell (vocalist), Patrick Jones (mime), Egypt Land (vocalist), Dasan Williams (vocalist), Jamil Wilson (piano), Gamma Psi Phi (step team), Danielle Chambers (vocalist), Josh Woodard (comedian), Cara Carey (vocalist), Shameaca Moore (spoken word), Austin Coats (acrobatic dance), and Demeeshia Marshall (vocalist). See photos from the South Side Settlement House and St. Stephen's Community House auditions here!

Franklin County Children Services sponsored the showcase as a fun, unique way to bring families together to celebrate community youth and to hear about the rewards of becoming adoptive or foster parents. The agency believes every child deserves a loving home with caring, committed parents.

Candice Lee, NBC4 Weekend Anchor, and City, Power 107.5 radio DJ, entertained and emceed the final event. The judges for the finals were Gerard Charles, BalletMet Artistic Director; Misty Jordan, Power 107.5 radio DJ; Peggy Lacey, national gospel artist; and Sandy Mathias, Artistic Director for the Columbus Children’s Choir. Prize donors included BalletMet, Columbus Clippers, Columbus Crew Soccer Foundation, Columbus Zoo, Donatos, Jeni’s Ice Cream, McDonald’s, National Cinemedia, and Wendy’s International.

Franklin County Children Services is the agency responsible for the care and protection of the county’s abused, neglected and troubled children. For more information on adoption, foster care or volunteering, call 614-341-6060.