Second Annual Redlands Got Talent Show

Two students from Moore Middle School juke jived their way to first place at the fourth annual Redlands Got Talent show on Nov. 15, with a show choreographed to Bobby Day’s “Rockin’ Robin.” The performance garnered a $500 first place prize for students Lauren Glaub and Cesar McGuire, and kudos from this year’s judges, Joseph Banuelos, Sarah Horn and returning arts connoisseur, Martha Green. There were 24 contestants at this year’s event, held at Redlands East Valley High School’s Harry Blackstone Theater and sponsored by the Redlands Educational Partnership Foundation. “All our performers were winners in my eyes,” said REP executive director, Sherry Edwards-McGlothlin. “To have so much confidence at a young age one can only imagine what lies ahead for our performers and hats off to their parents for encouraging them to reach for the stars.” Among the winners were second-place contenders from Jys Taekwondo Team, which won $300; and third-place a capella quartet “Treble In Paradise,” consisting of Redlands High School students Hannah Long, Yuri Munir, Misha Ponnaraju and Nicole Quirante who sang “Going To Get Over You,” which also garnered them a $200 prize and recognition for “Best Personality.” Contemporary dance duo Peyton Topoleski, of Moore Middle School, and Sarrissa Powel, of Redlands East Valley High School, were judged “Most Original” for their rendition of “Turning Pages.” This year’s prizes were underwritten by Century 21-Lois Lauer Realty, Smith Jewelers and The McGlothlin Group, and emceed by school board president Neal Waner. “We have amazing talent in Redlands, and some of the performances received very close scores,” REP president Mallory Mudge said. “There was a lot of support from the schools and our local community: Neal (Waner) was such a good sport to emcee our event for us again, and our judges make the show so much fun for the performers — and our audience. Every year this show attracts and exhibits the best entertaining talent from our students.” Proceeds from the event support enrichment education in the Redlands Unified Schools through REP Foundation programs.