Faith Collier, left, and Lexi Contreras, looking sassy in their coordinated costumes were so excited to learn they won first-place in the group competition for their dance routine to “TTYLXOX.” Top right, Iris Ramos sang her way to first-place for solo acts in the Hamphill talent show contest with a crowd pleasing version of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Bottom right, With his funky moves and grooving music, fourth-grader Chandler Brill earned the second place spot for solo acts for his dance routine to “Party Rock Anthem.” (Photo by Kim Hilsenbeck)
by KIM HILSENBECK
Students at Hemphill Elementary strutted their stuff last Friday at the school’s talent show. Solo and group acts performed singing, dancing, mariachi playing, rap and jump roping talents to a cheering crowd of families and friends.
The judges awarded Iris Ramos, a fifth-grader, the top prize in the solo category for her rendition of “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele. Chandler Brill, a fourth-grader, got the second place award for his dance moves to “Party Rock Anthem.”
Fifth grader Sofia Gonzalez, in full Mariachi dress, took third place with her guitar playing and singing – a rare combination talent at that age. Her song was “Tu Solo Tu.”
In the group competition, The Hawk Stars, first-grader Faith Collier and second-grader Lexi Contreras, danced their way to first place with “TTYLXOX” by Bella Thorne.
Second place went to the Jump Rope Stars, fourth-graders Kimberley Castaneda, Jennifer Mendoza, Alejandra Gaeta, Michelle Sanchez and Andrew Lopez, who performed a coordinated jump rope routine to “Cupid Shuffle” by Mr. C.
One especially poignant moment of the evening was when a fifth grade girl started singing but was so nervous she stopped. After a short break, she gave it another try, this time surrounded by her friends who helped her finish the song to loud applause from the audience.
In the judges seats were Hays County Judge Linda Rodriguez, Hays CISD Board member Willie Tenorio and Hays Free Press reporter Kim Hilsenbeck. Talent was scored on dress, audience response, stage presentation, performance and if they were having fun.
Hemphill coaches Nauri Garcia, David Bowman and J.J. Wren coordinated the talent show, acting as MCs, technical supervisors, and even a mic stand in one act.
Before the show started, Garcia told the audience he and the coaches were so proud of these students.
“Just getting these kids up on stage was a big deal,” Garcia said. “So let’s show them a lot of support.”
The audience complied.
