Stars of Elmira: Students and Community Unite for Talent Showcase

First place recipient, Leslie Monterrosa '24, a Criminal Justice and Psychology major, reading her poetry. Monterossa is published in the Hoxie Gorge Review.

Elmira College students and Elmira area community members recently sang songs, read their poetry, danced, cheered, and more during a May 10 talent show, proving that “Elmira’s Got Talent.”

The event was spearheaded by Emma Gentry '25, a Criminal Justice major, and students in the Alpha Psi Omega (APO) Theatre Honors Society and EC Theatre Club. Marc Artuz ’24, a Psychology and Human Services major, served as the event host. He also demonstrated his vocal talent, performing a duet with Allaney Klunk ’25, while the judges deliberated.

"Several students and I started this event because there are many talented Elmira College students. We thought this would be a fun way to highlight their many skills while inviting the community to take part as well," said Gentry.

Stars of Elmira: Students and Community Unite for Talent Showcase

Second place recipient, Elmira community member, Elizabeth "Betty" Banks, singing "Saving All My Love" by Whitney Houston.

Somewhat styled after the popular TV show “America’s Got Talent,” there were a few key differences. The performers did not interact with the judges and Artuz made clear to the audience that their role was to cheer and not to judge.

The three official judges were Rebecca Rich, Associate Professor of Theatre, Director of Theatre, Creative Arts and Humanities Chair; Dante Acquavella ’06, Community and Economic Development Specialist at Corning Incorporated and Small Business Analyst at Alternatives Federal Credit Union; and Thomas Jack, Elmira community member, deacon for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, and prison chaplain.

Stars of Elmira: Students and Community Unite for Talent Showcase

Third place recipient, Alissandra Scalessa '25, performing a solo dance routine.

After deliberations, the following winners were announced:

1st Place ($100) - Leslie Monterrosa ’24 for her spoken-word poetry

2nd Place - Elizabeth "Betty" Banks for her solo singing

3rd Place - Alissandra Scalessa ’25 for her solo dance

Stars of Elmira: Students and Community Unite for Talent Showcase

After Elmira's Got Talent, the APO inducted (left to right) Dionte D'amari James '27, Joyanna Lynn '27, and Finch Hartwick '27, joining Alaney Klunk '25, Emma Gentry '25, and Mia Pavon '26.

Following the Elmira’s Got Talent event, members of the APO inducted several new members during a "knighting" ceremony. The new inductees were

  • Dionte D'amari James '27

  • Joyanna Lynn '27

  • Finch Hartwick '27

They join current APO Members Gentry, Klunk, and Mia Pavon ’26.

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