Talent, Art Show Winners Named

Izaiah Catlin took top honors at the Monticello Kiwanis Les Steele Talent Showcase last Friday at Jasper County High School. Mr. Catlin brought the house down playing the harmonica.

Second place went to America Strickland who sang “Oh What A Beautiful Morning,” accompanied by Chris Savage on piano. Third place in the Class A division (ninth-twelfth grades) went to Drew Schilling for his piano playing.

Mr. Catlin will represent Monticello at the state competition for a chance to win $3,500 in college scholarships.

In Class B, grades six-eight, Ella Mercer took first place for playing the piano and singing “Let it Be.” Second place went to the brass quintet of Julia Aldridge, Ryan Henderson, J.K. Strength, Nathanael Mann and WIll McElheney. There were no other entries in Class B.

In Class A, competition was really tough with 10 acts to win just three prizes. First place went to Kat Schilling for her piano playing. Second place was awarded to Krista Steele who sang the Star Spangled Banner, and third place went to Landon Hicks who sang “House Party.”

In addition to the talent show, students could enter art into the art showcase. Class A (high school) art winners were named in two categories.; Two-dimensional winners were Nataleigh Long, first; Katie Alewine, second, and Alina Jablonski, third. Three dimensional winners were Hailey Seay, first; Bradley Nichols, second, and Shelby Wadkins, third.

Class B art winners were Ella Mercer, first; Amber Dooley, second, and Erica Johnson, third.

Class C art winners include Addy Mercer, first; Grady Jordan, second, and Charles T. Jones, third.

The high school is starting a tradition of purchasing the top performing senior’s artwork for display in the media center. Katie Alewine’s work received that honor this year.

The art and talent showcase had many entries, making it difficult for the judges to decide. The Monticello Kiwanis Club congratulates all the participants and thanks them for competing.