All of the hard work of the senior class, especially the senior officers, over the last few weeks paid off with the success of the first Academy’s Got Talent show on Sunday, February 12.  Not only did the event fill Brady Center North with an enthusiastic audience,  but the proceeds totaled over $2500 to support the Class of 2012 Endowment.

Freshman Kayla Rodriguez took the winner’s title, followed closely by runners-up Siobhan Lynch, a freshman, and senior Sarah Davis during the event that benefitted the senior endowment.  Kayla received a special prize and flowers, while Siobhan and Sarah were awarded flowers and medals.

The show was the undertaking of Reena Martinez, President of the Class of 2012, with the guidance of Mrs. Patty Bohannan,  Director of Alumni Relations and the able assistance of  vice presidents Kellie Mitchell, Emily Joseph, Jackie Moreda, and Sarah Henni, who carefully selected the ten finalists to perform at the competitve event.  The finalists included freshmen Jessica Jurado, Siobhan Lynch, Ashlyn Bradshaw and Katelyn Prieboy, Samira Mantri, Carly King, Kayla Rodriguez, junior Angelina Oliva, and seniors Sarah Davis, Alexandra Prado, and Jacqueline Henderson.

Of the eleven contestants, seven were freshmen.  Freshman Jessica Jurado kicked off the night singing Gavin Degraw’s “Not Over You,” followed by another freshman Carly King, tapping the night away to Adele’s “Rumour Has It.”  Freshman and winner Kayla Rodriguez sang “No One” by Alicia Keys.  Freshman Ashlyn Bradshaw and Katelyn Prieboy teamed up for their performance, with Katelyn strumming away on the guitar while Ashlyn vocalized to the Taylor Swift’s “Safe and Sound” from the upcoming Hunger Games soundtrack.

Senior Alexandra Prado danced a beautiful ballet number to the Fame soundtrack’s “Try.” Senior Jaqueline Henderson closed off the first act singing Sara Bareilles’s “King of Anything.”

Freshman Samira Mantri, attired in beautiful Indian dress,  opened up the second act, following a fifteen-minute intermission, dancing to a Bollywood mix.   Freshman and runner-up Siobhan Lynch sang a revised acoustic version of Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass.”

Junior Angelina Oliva sang Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love.”  Senior and third-place winner Sarah Davis finished out the contest performances with a recitation of Joshua Bennett’s poem “Tamara’s Opus” with appropriate sign language to go along with her performance.

The audience cast votes for their favorite performers by putting money in their respective jars. The performer with the most money received an added ten points in her favor.

While members of the senior class counted the money in the jars following Sarah’s recitation, special guest performers entertained the audience. Senior Amanda McWilliams and Leigh Anne Russell told knock-knock jokes that had listeners rolling with laughter, and members of the Jaguarettes performed a dance number that incorporated their signature can-can kick line.

After the counting was completed and all the votes were tallied, Jackie Moreda, the night’s MC, brought all participants back to the stage for a final round of applause and recognition for their talented performances. She then announced the top three scorers, with Kayla taking first place, Siobhan second, and Sarah third. Another round of applause followed for these distinguished acts and for the group as a whole.  In light of all ten fantastic performances, one thing is certain: Academy sure does have talent.

The senior class and all those who attended the event thanked the Dads Club for cooking hamburgers and hot dogs.  Special thanks went to Dads Club President Mr. Peter Hobson and senior dad Mr. Greg Babin, who organized the menu and cooking for the event.