Thursday May 27th…THE SEMI FINALS
The Searching for a Star Competition Semi Finals got underway without a hitch. The opening act for the evening was Guitarist Leo Garcia; the newest addition to the teaching staff at the Ballard School of Performing Arts. Mr. Garcia’s performance was very well received as he demonstrated various techniques and sounds on his classical guitar. Many in the audience commented on how much they enjoyed his playing!
Excitement was high as the show got underway with 2008 SFAS winner Taylor Beckham sang the National Anthem. The program continued with the welcome by SFAS Founder, Rob Hunter; the invocation was given by Reverend Raymond Perry; Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Baptist Church in Wylie. Taylor Beckham then returned to the stage to sing her new release ‘I Heart You”; a song that she wrote. The song was a hit with the audience.
There were 14 performers in the semi finals this year, they all sang and performed marvelously. At the end of the night 9 performers moved on to the finals.
The 9 performers in this year’s “Main Event” (the Finals) were:
(Elementary Category 8 – 10 yrs) Kattie Patton( St. Paul), Kattie Schoenenkase (Parker) Olivia Sanborn (Rowlett)
(Middle Category11 – 13yrs):Meagan McLaughlin(Wylie), Yaminah Lewis (Wylie) and Bianca Loren (Frisco)
(Senior Category 14 – 17yrs): Skylar Addicks(Wylie), Brittany Thomas (Garland) and Mandolin Wiessner (Rowlett).
D'Moreya Woods - Photo by: D. Bottlinger
Friday May 28th…THE FINALS
The show Stoppers…A group of violinists under the direction of Sue Hewitt; instructor of violin and piano at Ballard School of Performing Arts got the evening started. Their selections were very well received. Also, special guest singer Marcie sang on both nights to the crowds delight!
Our thanks to Sue Hewitt and Macie for their participation.
After the welcome and opening prayer by Kris Segrest, Pastor First Baptists Church in Wylie, the show got underway. Fist up was D’Morea Woods 2009 SFAS over-all winner who sang ” There is Hope”. I was so pleased to hear the quality of his voice; he sang so well. It is evident that both our 2008 & 2009 SFAS winners have both continued pursuing the goal of becoming singer/entertainers!
In 2009 the SFAS Ambassador program was established. Our Ambasodors make perodic appearances at events sponsored by SFAS during the performers winning year.
D’Moreya was actively involved by appearing at singing engagements and other events throughout 2009.
“Team Woods” consisting of Ken and Savannah Woods (D’Moreya’s Parents) were very active too. Mr. an Mrs. Woods are both members of the SFAS Planning Committee & Mrs. Woods serves as Vice Chair on the Searching for a Star Advisory Board. I commended them for the involvement and encouragement that they give to their son D’ Moreya. Search for a Star Foundation is thankful for their support.
Oh What Night!
2010 Stars - Photo by: Dave Bottlinger
What a Night! What a show! The stars really came out to shine, and they had plenty of support from past stars along with the 2010 star performers! They reallysupported the finalists. After each performance from the stars section the supporting cast whooped, hollard & high 5′d each performing star. It was the kind of camaraderie that SFAS Staff had hoped for…|
The battle was on! Each performer had to sing two (2) songs; the 1st, a Performer’s Choice song and the 2nd, the “Founder’s Choice”; a song chosen by Rob Hunter. The way our stars were singing you could tell that they all wanted the top prize. Some of them turned in their best performances of the year!
After the performances the votes were tallied, and the results were given to Max Kennedy the MC for he evening.
Here are the results:
(Elementary Category 8 – 10 yrs)—1st placewinner – Olivia Sanborn, 2nd place – Katie Schonenkase and 3rd place winner is Katie Patton.
In the (Middle Category 11 – 13yrs):—1st place winner – Bianca Loren, 2nd Place winner - Yaminah Lewis and
3rd place winner – Meagan McLaughlin.
In the (Senior category 14 – 17 yrs.) 1st place - Brittany Thomas, 2nd place - Mandolin Wiessner and 3rd place- Skylar Addicks. Each performer received trophies, medallions and cash awards.
Brittany Thomas Winner 2010 SFAS Competition - Photo by: D. Bottlinger
Brittany Wins!
This year’s over-all winner is Brittany Thomas! For her win Brittany received $1000 cash award from the Search for a Star Foundation and a $500 scholarship award will be awarded to the fine arts department of Brittany’s school; NaamanForrest High School. Search for a Star Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to help fine arts students.
City of Garland Mayor Ronald Jones was attended to present awards to Brittany. ” I am so proud of my star; Brittany” said Mayor Jones, “I love what the Searching for a Star Program is doing for our youth”. Special thanks to Mayor Mike Felix; he has been an avid supporter of his Stars from Sachse and has attended all four SFAS finals. Other city representatives attending were: Rowlett Deputy Mayor Pro Tem – Todd Gottel whose city had 2 performers in the competition! Parker Mayor – Joe Cordina, and Murphy Councilman – John Daugherty attended to show support and award medals and trophies to the Star Performers from their cities. On behalf of Searching for a star I personally thank each city representative for coming. The youth and parent teams were very pleased that you came. We hope to see you again next year! Your appearance was a very important part of the awards ceremony. The performers and families thank you for your support. We hope you enjoyed the Searching for a Star experience…
Special thanks to my wife Debbie who works tirelessly with me, our emcee Max Kennedy, Pastor of Park Lake Church in Sachse, to Franklin Dillow our presiding judge and to all of our volunteers, especially our judges who had the toughest job ever! Thanks to all of the families who trusted us with your most precious gifts…your children!
I hope the SFAS experience is one that you cherish for years to come…
Lastly… to all of the SFAS Performers past and present, you will always be a star! Continue to pursue your dreams and don’t let anyone or anything hold you back!
Sincerely,
Rob Hunter
