The “Spotlight on Talent,” a regional performing arts competition for people, has wrapped up its 36th annual competition.
The final two shows were held on March 19 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School.
Hundreds of people attended each show to watch the contestants compete, according to a news release from Barbara Friedman, who oversees the competition.
More than 230 students auditioned on Feb. 9, with 170 finalists competing in the two shows.
More than $4,000 in trophies, ribbons and cash prizes were awarded.
The winner of the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship went to Zach D’ Onofrio, who also gained notoriety when he competed in 2018 on American Idol.
The performers showed off their talents in various ways, including piano, vocal, dance, electric guitar and steel drum band.
Panels of paid professional judges selected the winners of the cash prizes.
If you would like any more information about the competition, reach out to Friedman at (352) 567-1720, or visit HeritageArts.org.
Here is a full list of the winners:
Matinee performances (Younger students)
Category 1
- First: Rio Ricardo, musical theater
- Second: Evangeline Dolan, musical theater
- Third: Eden Kirkland, ballet dance
- Fourth: Salvador Hernandez, piano
Category 2
- First: Vincent Pham, piano
- Second: Samuel Wu, piano
- Third: Dino Antoniou, electric guitar
- Fourth: Kasey Lang, piano
Category 3
- First: Lauren Scotch, contemporary dance
- Second: Isabel Ramos, musical theater
- Third: Jasmine Kurz, musical theater
- Fourth: Jasmine Crew, contemporary dance
Groups
- First: Showtime, musical theater
- Second: Songbirds, musical theater – Bianca Horodecki & Gabrielle Smedley
- Third: Gotta Dance Diamondz, lyrical dance
Evening performances (Older students)
Category 1
- First: Faith Phaller, contemporary dance
- Second: Hannah Goserud, voice and guitar
- Third: Sailor Wade, pointe dance
- Fourth: Jayden Parsons, contemporary dance
Category 2
- First: Flavio Eduardo Carreno-Olivo, piano
- Second: Katie Knight, lyrical dance
- Third: Agnes Hernandez, piano
Category 3
- First: Zach D’ Onofrio, vocal
- Second: Roman Ricardo, musical theater
- Third: Julianna Mazza, contemporary dance
- Fourth: Gracie Scaglione, contemporary dance
- Fifth: Amanda Cloversettle, vocal
Groups
- First: Showstoppers, musical theater
- Second: Showbiz, musical theater
Pasco Heritage $1,000 Scholarship
Zach D’ Onofrio, vocal
Published April 10, 2019
