Performers entertain at ‘West Madison Has Talent!’
They sang, juggled and drummed their way to top spots in “West Madison’s Has Talent!” on April 24 at West Madison Elementary School.
For earning the overall top score, Matthew Enfinger was named grand champion with his percussion/drum performance.
Show organizers Wendy Tibbs and Kristina Newsome designed the show as a fun experience to give students a venue to express their individuality and skill.
The young performers chose among six categories — art, poetry, physical, dance, vocal, and instrumental.
In the art category, Claudia Waddell won first place. Sojourner Taylor took second place and Ange Long earned third. For poetry, the finalists were Amy Allen, first; Maggie Green, second; and Katie Smith, third.
In physical competition, Ethan Crosby captured first place for his juggling and unicycling, followed by Erin Chambliss, Jacob Colson and Elijah Madkins in second place and Bella Barbee and Jaylah Pondexter in third.
Samantha Arn took first place in the dance category; Caleb Moyers, second; and Fab 5, third. In the vocal category, Evanne Terry won as top singer, followed by Ashleigh Browne in second place and Daniel Swinney in third place.
Brandon Wang earned first place in the instrumental category. Jean-Pierre LeRoux was the second-place winner and Blake Batchelor, third place.
Sam Barr, Neda Mobasher, Soumyaa Utlapalli and Heesun Yoon were emcees for the talent show. “Sam Barr told some spectacular jokes when we needed some time filled during technical difficulties,” Tibbs said. “The emcees provided introductions for each act and also read the final winners from the judges sheets at the end of the show.”
“Students got to show off their skills and abilities to their peers, teachers, families and community members,” Newsome said. “It’s always amazing to see and hear what they can do.”
Students prove “West Madison Has Talent!”
By Gregg L. Parker
For the Record
Auditions are complete. They’re polishing up their acts. Students will prove “West Madison Has Talent!” on April 24.
As scores are tallied, performers who scored well in auditions will entertain.
Madison and Huntsville businesses have donated passes and coupons for prize packets for the students. First-, second- and third-place winners in each category will receive trophies. The top score earns Grand Champion status.
Faculty members judging the show are Allyson Word, Aimee Allen, Toni Daniel, Jennifer Duval, Minnie Tidwell, JoAnn Taylor, Kristen Elliott, Emily Wolfe, Joy Brindley, Jana Stover and Kelly Johnson.
As a second-grader, Caleb Moyers was too young to enter the show. Moyers will achieve his “two-year-old dream” by dancing to “Billie Jean.” Fifth-grader Erin Chambliss will juggle to “Can’t Touch This.” “People can work on their confidence and learn to get in front of people to share their talents, because everybody does have talent,” Chambliss said.
“Come Sail Away” by Styx is sixth-grader Blake Batchelor’s act. “I’ve been taking piano for a couple of years. It will show my talents,” he said.
Other acts include fifth-grader Matthew Enfinger, drumset, “Let’s Rock This Gym”; sixth-grader Ethan Crosby, juggling and unicycling; third-grader Anna Vogler, painting, “Under The Sea”; sixth-grader Daniel Swinney, “Kryptonite”; sixth-grader Ashleigh Browne, piano, “Never Alone.”
The show on April 24 will start at 6 p.m. Adults pay $1. Proceeds will purchase trophies.
