Sedona Charter School Students Serenade with Show-Stopping Performances

Two Sedona Charter School students achieved top honors at the second annual “Sedona’s Got Talent” competition on March 6 at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. Leila Flores and Louis Bourque, both showcasing unique performances, won first place in their respective age groups.

Flores, a third grader, delivered a heartfelt rendition of “I Won’t Grow Up” from “Peter Pan,” donning a costume reminiscent of the Lost Boys. “It felt good, but it was surprising too,” she reflected. “I didn’t expect to win among everyone there.” Her mother, Shannon Flores, shared her pride, stating that the focus was on enjoyment, making the victory a delightful surprise.

Leila received a $100 prize, although she is still contemplating how to spend it. Her mother suggested possibly donating it to their church, highlighting their values of giving back. After dedicating four hours each week to practice, Leila noted that preparing her hair for the performance was particularly challenging. The strong hairspray and elaborate hairstyle added to her pre-show jitters, but ultimately contributed to her character portrayal.

“Leila kept running through the song, taking advice on how to improve,” her mother added. They emphasized the importance of letting her natural personality shine during rehearsals to enhance the performance experience. Besides her passion for singing, Leila also enjoys creating abstract art and exploring the natural world using her microscope, a Christmas gift that sparked her curiosity.

Bourque, a second grader, captivated the audience with his version of “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone. He expressed his excitement about winning and the trophy it earned him. However, he admitted that memorizing the lyrics was the most challenging part of his preparation. “My dad cheered me up when I was nervous,” he said, crediting his father’s support for boosting his confidence before performing.

Rehearsing two to three days a week at school and additionally at home, Louis’s efforts paid off. His father, Jonathan Bourque, noted his son’s remarkable ability to pick a song and infuse it with his personality. “It’s been amazing to watch him grow,” Jonathan remarked, recalling how Louis once penned an original song but was initially hesitant to share it.

Recently, Louis has begun experimenting with a keyboard, discovering new sounds. “I love that you can just sing whenever you want,” he said, also sharing his admiration for musicians like Cory Asbury and K-LOVE radio hits. The blend of hard work and passion has made this event a pivotal moment for both young performers in the Sedona community.