SCS Takes the Crown at Sedona’s Got Talent!

The second annual “Sedona’s Got Talent” competition took place on March 6 at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, showcasing 18 acts from Sedona Charter School and West Sedona School. This event was organized by the nonprofit Parangello Players, supported by a grant from the city of Sedona.

Students competed for recognition and a school trophy. For the second straight year, Sedona Charter School clinched the top prize.

Among the standout performances, Sedona Charter fifth-graders Ashlynn Doyle and Bella Marie Barre captivated the audience with a hoop routine set to “Feel It Still” by Portugal The Man. In the third-to-sixth-grade category, SCS third-grader Leila Flores won with an impressive rendition of “I Won’t Grow Up” from “Peter Pan.” Meanwhile, SCS second-grader Louis Bourque earned first place in the kindergarten-to-second-grade division for performing Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things.” Each winning student received a trophy and a $100 prize, while runners-up collected smaller monetary awards.

“Performing arts play a crucial role in education, helping develop creativity and public speaking skills,” said Elyce Monet, president of Parangello Players. “These students have dedicated considerable effort over the past weeks in preparation for tonight’s event.”

Flores, who was thrilled to perform, shared her experience: “It’s funny because Lilu [Cordova] is my bestie and we have completely different songs.” Cordova finished second in her division with Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Flores reflected on her growth as a performer, stating, “This year, I added more personality and even danced during my performance.”

West Sedona School fourth-graders Ellie Rodal, Kiersa Boone, and Arabella Griffin delivered an energetic dance to “Oops, I Did it Again.” In another remarkable performance, WSS fourth-graders Wylenn Segle and Peyton Gonzales claimed third place in their group with a dance routine to Dasha’s “Austin.”

Bourque beamed with pride upon winning: “I got a hundred bucks and a giant trophy. I’m planning to use the money for my basketball team’s outing.” His enthusiasm for his performance was clear, crediting his mother for inspiring his engaging stage presence.

“I chose Benson Boone because he’s famous and sticks to his values,” Bourque added. In the younger division, WSS second-grader Crux Segel earned second place with “Riptide” by Vance Joy, while WSS’s Oliva Locksley took third with “The Dot Song.”

Segel reflected on the nostalgia of his performance: “My dad used to sing that to me when I was a kid. Singing in front of people is the most fun part.”

Other notable acts included SCS first-grader Anastasia Zub, who sang “Let It Go” from “Frozen,” performing in both English and Ukrainian to honor her mother. WSS second-graders Rowyn Fox and Cali Lewis performed a gymnastics routine that emphasized their friendship and shared experiences.

WSS first-grader Reign Rampel impressed with an original poem, while SCS sixth-grader Aria Weed showcased her vocal skills with “Teeth” by 5 Seconds of Summer. Weed expressed her desire to make a difference through music.

WSS third-grader Jenicka Villagrana highlighted the importance of self-belief during her performance of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” Other performers, including WSS fourth-graders and SCS students, brought diverse talents to the stage, from singing pop songs to reciting poetry.

Following the competition, students surprised Elyce Monet with a token of appreciation. Monet, who has been a pivotal figure in the community since 2017, announced plans to relocate to launch a new streaming service, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring young talents.