SRRHS Unveils Top Talent in Thrilling Awards Ceremony

Jade Kuhn, a senior at Sedona Red Rock High School, secured first place in the school’s talent show held at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on January 30. Her vocal rendition of Noah Kahan’s “Everywhere, Everything” captivated the audience. Junior Khrystian Kaikala earned second place with a solo piano performance of “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme,” while Kuhn’s brother, Logan, took third with Finneas O’Connell’s “Break My Heart Again.” Kuhn received a pair of AirPods as a prize, and Kaikala was awarded a Polaroid camera.

“I was kind of shocked to win because I thought [Kaikala] was going to get first place,” Kuhn remarked, acknowledging the competition’s quality. “I received a lot of support from [the school]. I felt very comfortable on stage. My VACTE instructor, Genna Adams, was there, so I wanted to make her proud, and my mom as well.”

Kuhn praised the Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education (VACTE) for enhancing her academic journey and stage presence through improved communication and public speaking skills. With an impressive 3.9 GPA, she is set to graduate early and has qualified for the Lumberjack Tuition Scholarship. “I got a full ride to Northern Arizona University and will major in elementary education,” she stated. Her passion for teaching shines through, especially during her internship at West Sedona School’s kindergarten class.

Choosing her song carefully, Kuhn remarked, “It falls in my alto range, and it’s about bringing people up,” noting the relevance of the message in today’s political climate. “I listen to a lot of country soul,” she added, describing her musical preferences as modern yet rooted in the genre’s traditional elements.

Khrystian Kaikala shared his journey with music, revealing that he initially disliked piano lessons despite starting at the age of four. He found renewed inspiration after his mother gifted him an electric piano three years ago. “In lessons, you’re taught to play a certain way, and I didn’t like that structure,” he explained. “Music should be free and creative.”

Kaikala enjoys various genres, including Hispanic music and hip-hop legends such as 50 Cent and Eminem. Orchestra teacher Cody McKesson praised Kaikala’s performance, noting, “He had everything memorized and showcased impressive dynamics. It was emotional to hear; he did an amazing job.”

Kuhn also commended her brother Logan for his bravery in performing on stage for the first time. “If he does another talent show, he should sing Frank Sinatra,” McKesson suggested, highlighting Logan’s rich and gentle voice during his performance.