Trout Creek stars shine throughout night

TROUT CREEK – Singing, dancing and magic tricks were just some of the skills displayed at the second annual Trout Creek After School Talent Show on Thursday, March 20. The stars of Trout Creek School took to the stage to show off their talents and in the process, the kids managed to wow the crowd.

The word of the talent show spread through the school approximately a month beforehand to give the kids plenty of time to gear up and polish their skills. While many took advantage of the month-long practice time, some of the students decided to join the day before the show.

After School Program Coordinator Gabriele Ohning was happy with the turnout of the event. Student numbers rivaled that of last year’s show, but family support was overwhelming this year.

“This is a really good crowd. We have a lot of family support in town,” Ohning said.

Mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles could all be seen in the audience cheering on the kids. Although most had a favorite star to cheer for, all the participants of the event received a warm welcome from the crowd.

According to Ohning, the kids were excited to participate in this event. She said many could not wait to get in front of the crowd to perform. While some nerves were high, the students did well.

Crimson Drapeau took to the microphone to perform Diamonds by Rhianna and although he felt the nervous energy, the crowd did not notice one bit.

“My heart was racing the whole time,” Drapeau said. “I’m trying to get over my fear.”

Another competitor, Colton Wormwood, beamed confidence throughout his performance. Wormwood played a harmonica solo for the crowd and after he finished and the crowd erupted with applause, he was sure to tell the crowd “that was the appetizer.” From there, Wormwood continued to perform more difficult tunes on his harmonica to the pleasure of the crowd.

This year the talent pool widened and Ohning said there were some unique acts that came to the forefront.

“Playing Cat’s Cradle to (the song) Cat’s in the Cradle and drawing – those are things you normally don’t see in a talent show,” Ohning said.

As the students performed in the front of the room, three judges critiqued their performances to determine the winners. Matt Etienne, Liz Hudson and Yvonne Stevenson were tasked with the difficult job of choosing the winners of the talent show in three different groups. A first through third place winner was awarded for the K-2 group, the 3-6 grade group and the combined 7-8 grade.

After a long deliberation, Etienne emerged from the back room to announce the winners.

Lilli Leisz, Gabrielle Hannum, Noa Stevens, Ashton Rasmussen, Fletcher Segura, Colton Wormwood, Julissa Bonney, Abbi Lane, Serenity Barrus, Sydney Hinchley, Robert Bonney, Vaughn Wortman, Dakota Carter, Aurora Reishus, Anna Rasmussen and Breanna Breen all took home the honors of first through third place for the different categories.

Ohning said the show could not be possible without the generous sponsors in the area. Subway of Thompson Falls, Simple Simon Pizza, Mangy Moose Mercantile, Ace Hardware, and The Lakeside Motel and Resort came together to donate prizes for the kids.

From gift certificates, to gloves, nightlights and toys – the students were presented with plenty of prizes, but the talent show was about more than that. It gave the students an opportunity to showcase their skills in a room packed full of love and support.

The winners of the talent show will forever be able to call themselves some of the most talented kids in Trout Creek.