On Friday April 8th, Portage Northern’s Student Senate held their annual Student Talent Show (well, annual with the exception of the past two years due to obvious reasons). An abundance of acts were showcased, each prepared with heartfelt effort. 

Before the show, two rehearsals were held. This gave each performer a chance to feel the stage atmosphere and properly prepare for the big night. When the day of the show finally arrived, each performer was dressed in their best attire, ready to put on their best act. 

At the end of the show, first, second, and third place were awarded with the judges being assistant principal Dr. Nate Ledlow, History teacher Lucas Rewa, English teacher Celia Weeks, and Spanish teacher Kaitie Paynich. The acts were judged based on their stage presence, professionalism and overall performance. 

The order of the acts and a description of each is listed below:

1. Luke Rathburn: Hot Cross Buns played on recorder
2. Trenton Smith: Singing “Anymore” by Travis Tritt
3. Alexia Grant: Singing and playing ukulele, “Riptide” by Vance Joy
4. Aspen Floyd: Comedy
5. Zane’ Gardener & Alexsandra Hinton- Singing Duet, “Stay” by Rihanna
6. Elijah Parker: Singing “Something Stupid” by Frank & Nancy Sinatra
7. Sean Durbin: Acoustic guitar
8. Rayleeana Hayward: Singing “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
9. Frogs & Toads: Band performance
10. Kimberley Tamayo: Singing “All I Ask” by Adele
11. Vu Le: Dance performance
12. Kylie Stewart: Singing “All I Want” by Kodaline

After the crowd had died down and both MC’s, Jake Kavanaugh and Nick Jepson, had finished with their clever and witty commentary, the trophies were handed to the winners.

Third place: Kimberly Tamayo

Second place: Kylie Stewart

First place: Vu Le

“It feels amazing when I heard my name being called for the first place,” said Le. “I did not expect that because everyone in the talent show was way too talented and had splendid performances.” Lee has been dancing for about three years and is self-taught, learning primarily though YouTube. “My room is my dance studio,” he said.

Le planned his performance two weeks before the audition, which was a month before the actual show. “It’s a combination of choreography and freestyle,” he explained. “I had to admit that it was the hardest performance that I’ve ever done, it takes a lot of energy even just for the first song, but I think I did quite well.”