Washington’s Got Talent contestants weigh in
Sunday is our Teen Outreach’s eighth annual Washington’s Got Talent finale at Canon-McMillan High School. The event runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m. I offer the thoughts and dreams expressed by the second half of our finalists (in ABC order).
Traditionally, I dedicate the columns prior to the finale to our young finalists. They respond to three questions: 1. Why do you enjoy performing? 2. What does performing in Washington’s Got Talent mean to you, and 3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ABC order, here are responses from the second half of our 21 finalists:
Rachel Faust: 1. I enjoy performing because I think that when I perform I am making people happy. I truly love seeing a little kid’s face light up with a smile when they hear me sing, or seeing people smile when I sing the national anthem at swim meets. It creates such a magical moment that I think is absolutely wonderful. 2. I think performing in Washington’s Got Talent is such a huge honor. I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me nurture and develop my talents. I feel like me performing in Washington’s Got Talent could maybe act as a thank you for all those people. 3. I see myself out of college, maybe graduating from college, with a dual major in the arts and finance, with a minor in accounting. I hope to have a job as a financial analyst by then or at least have one lined up by then for after graduation. I also hope to have a job as a voice actor.
Kyle Freiberger: 1. I enjoy performing on stage, giving joy to others. It’s not performing that I enjoy, it’s watching people enjoy us. 2. The opportunity to play for local people leaves me ecstatic, just the fact we have the opportunity makes me grateful. 3. Who am I to say, it might depend on how this show goes.
Joelle Germeyer: 1. I enjoy performing because I love to see people smiling and enjoying a performance. It makes me feel that my performances can touch people emotionally and spiritually. 2. I always doubted my talent and I never thought I was any good at singing. Now that I get to perform in WGT, I have faith in myself and in the talent God has given me. 3. In 10 years, I see myself performing for younger kids at Disney World or on a cruise.
Agape Kapelonis: 1. I love to make people smile and enjoy a new side to music. Seeing an audience react to your voice and passion is an amazing feeling for me. It makes me know that I have touched their hearts enough to make them cry or laugh. It also makes me forgot about reality for a moment. 2. It means someone gave me a chance to show what I’ve got and what I’ve been blessed with. It proves to me that, with hard work, success is the outcome. I’m so excited for Washington’s Got Talent and to show everyone what I can do. 3. I’m sure I’ll still be singing. I’m hoping to get my teaching license for cosmetology, so I can see myself working with people on their beauty skills. I could also see myself successful in a career in music and performing as well, in a community theater or even on Broadway! I know for a fact, though, I’ll still be happy and still in love with music.
Katherine Kerrigan: 1. Performing has impacted my life in a very positive way. It allows me to express many emotions, messages and stories without using words. If I can’t find the right words to explain how I’m feeling, or am so stressed and I need a way to escape it, I can put all of my emotions into a dance and let go of all the negative feelings. 2. Performing in Washington’s Got Talent gives me the opportunity to dance in front of a new audience by putting myself out there, and let go of all my negative feelings. 3. In 10 years, hopefully, I see myself in college trying to achieve all my performing dreams.
Sophie Marshall: 1. I enjoy performing because it’s kind of like a roller coaster. Everything backstage leading up to the performance is like going up a steep hill. You are so nervous, slightly terrified, and making a big deal of it. But, performing is like the big drop after the hill. As cliché as it sounds, it seems like the whole world stops for a moment and you are in your own little world. You don’t really notice the audience, or sometimes the judges, sitting there watching you. You are just doing the same thing you do every week in your dance studio to the point where you don’t even have to think about it. Time doesn’t really catch up to you until you are on stage, realizing its over, and hearing the applause. 2. Performing in Washington’s Got Talent means a lot to me. My dance studio, Dance with Me by Sisters Three, has been lucky enough to have a dancer in the show several different times. I kind of feel I am continuing the tradition. Usually, a bunch of people from the studio come and watch and we all sit in the same section and kind of act like one really big family. It is nice to know that this year my dance fam will be watching me and be there for me. 3. In 10 years, I will be 22. I see myself having just graduated from college, probably majoring in dance, but I’m not sure of my major yet. I also want to be like one of my dance teachers/owners of my studio because she is the regional sales manager for Panera, she co-owns, teaches and choreographs for her studio, and has a 1-year-old daughter on top of all that. I want to have what most people consider a full-time job and have, or at least teach at, a studio on the side, even though it is probably really stressful and a little crazy.
Marques Murphy: 1. I love to entertain people and I want them to be inspired by me. 2. It means that I can do anything when I put my mind to it. 3. Working in a professional environment for dance.
Taylor Prezel: 1. When I dance, it helps me express my emotions in a way words cannot. In a world where everyone goes with the flow, it gives me a chance to stand out from everyone. When I’m on stage all eyes are on me. On stage, I get to use my gifts and talents to help others learn from it. Ask any dancer why they love being on stage and they will tell you it’s a feeling they cannot describe. I can tell you that firsthand. 2. I performed in Washington’s Got Talent last year and it was an experience I’ll never forget. Not only did I have a lot of fun but I got to meet new people who share the love of performing with me. Also, I got to share and express my talent with everyone. To me, it’s not all about winning, but meeting new friends and being able to perform. 3. In 10 years, I hope to fulfill my dream of becoming a dentist. To get there, I plan on attending WVU and majoring in biology. Then after that, I will hopefully attend dental school. At WVU, I plan on still dancing. I will try out for the dance team and hopefully perform alongside them at basketball and football games.
Amanda Reilly: 1. It’s a way for me to get in touch with any emotion and break away from reality for a few minutes. When I dance I can’t be happier 2. It gives me a chance to show how much dancing means to me, while having fun with my friends. 3. Hopefully graduated from college with a job that makes me happy, while on the path to a successful career. I will still be dancing, acting and singing.
Daniel Renz: 1. I enjoy performing because it’s the only way to express myself clearly. Also to connect with people and tell stories of past experiences. I learned to speak my feelings and express myself through solos. 2. More opportunities/ another opportunity to express myself and connect to people. 3. Still rocking in whatever band I’m in.
Sydney Shook: 1. I enjoy performing because it feels so good to connect with an audience and tell a story through song. 2. Performing in Washington’s Got Talent means so much to me because I’m able to help others just by doing something I love. 3. I hope to be signing professionally or performing on Broadway.
Hannah West: 1. Because it helps me forget about the wrong things in me. When I perform I can just be me. 2. Maybe I could do it. Maybe I could be a singer. Because you never know … miracles can happen. 3. Out of college with a good job.
Tyriek Williams: 1. I enjoy it because it lets you show others how you feel about dancing. 2. It means a lot because it gives me an opportunity to show my skill and what I love to do. 3. I see myself in college, playing sports and dancing.