WESLEY CHAPEL – The Heritage Arts Center Association awarded $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors Conway Theel and Larkin Mainwaring during the Spotlight on Talent Performing Arts Competition on March 15 at Wesley Chapel High School.
Theel’s performance on the piano and Mainwaring’s vocal range received high scores from the show’s judges.
They were among more than 120 young people, ages 6 to 18, that performed during Spotlight on Talent.
A handful of people in 1983, led by Sally Blackwood, envisioned a competition that promoted the performing and visual arts. Spotlight on Talent has grown from 30 acts at the county fair to an $18,000 event spanning two shows.
A matinee showcased younger students and groups. An evening show focused on older students and groups.
A 15-member board of directors worked for three months to coordinate the show. The final production team included eight additional community friends who gave their time.
Barbara Friedman was the executive producer. Lauretta Brown, Michelle Twitmyer and Laurel Weightman were assistant producers. Clint Roberson, David West and Ben Alexander served as masters of ceremonies.
Thirty-one corporate/community sponsors donated toward the over $6,000 for cash prizes, trophies and ribbons. A large donation from Suncoast Credit Union allowed the Heritage Arts Center Association to award two scholarships instead of one.
Matinee Show Winners
- CATEGORY 1: Adelynn Erickson (first place, contemporary dance), Amber Luu (second, piano), Addie Pereira (third, piano) and Ruby Ricardo (fourth, musical theater).
- CATEGORY 2: Akshath Anand (first place, vocal & piano), Gabriella Tigley (second, piano), Savanna Nelson (third, ballet dance) and Naomi Reed (fourth, piano).
- CATEGORY 3: Kennedy Kring (first place, pointe dance), Chloe Adams (second, contemporary dance), Tenley Ryman (third, contemporary dance), Jacob Burkett (fourth, piano) and Penelope Whipple (fifth, lyrical ballet).
- YOUNGER GROUPS: Avery & Kailani (first place, contemporary dance), Velvet Voices (second, vocal duet), AIM’s Melodic Stars (third, vocal) and Titanic Duo (fourth, violin & piano).
Evening Show Winners
- CATEGORY 1: Tavin Groomes (first place, musical theater), Paul McGill (second, piano), Rio Ricardo (third, musical theater) and Jerry Lee (fourth, piano).
- CATEGORY 2: Makenna Henry (first place, contemporary dance), Naomi Lopez (second, lyrical dance), Anna Hutchinson (third, jazz dance), Logan Gilbreath (fourth, guitar) and Srikruthi Neralla (fifth, vocal).
- CATEGORY 3: Conway Theel (first place, piano), Samuel Wu (second, piano), Reagan Ricardo (third, musical theater), Larkin Mainwaring (fourth, vocal) and Alynza McBride (fifth, ballet dance).
- OLDER GROUPS: AIM Stars Acting (first place, acting), AIM’s Harmonic Stars (second, vocal) and Star Company I (third, contemporary ballet).
- PASCO HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIPS: Conway Theel (piano) and Larkin Mainwaring (vocal).
