Celebrating Diversity and Talent: Highlights from John Jay's Annual Talent Show Hosted by the Spanish Honor Society

On February 23, the auditorium rumbled with excitement as students, parents, and faculty eagerly awaited the start of John Jay's annual talent show. Organized by the Spanish Honor Society, the event promised an evening of captivating performances and cultural celebration. The stage came alive with a diverse array of talents, each act showcasing the unique skills and passions of John Jay's student body.

To kick off the show, the Latin Dance Crew showed off their newly learned Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa steps. After practicing a routine incorporating all three of the Latin dance styles for two months, the twelve pairs of volunteers took the stage. The Latin Dance Crew was led by Senior Sabrina Sanguino, who has been Latin dancing since childhood, alongside members of the Spanish Honor Society including the President, Justin Perez. 

Teves Gutierrez, a seasoned singer, took the stage after bursting in from the auditorium entrance, his voice filling the room with enthusiasm. His rendition of “505” by the Arctic Monkeys was a popular choice among the student body, "Singing has been my passion for years," Teves shared. "It's a way for me to express myself and connect with others on a deeper level." 

Michael Bourhill mesmerized the audience with his rendition of "Aerials" by System of a Down during the talent show. Revealing his love for singing, a passion he discovered a few years ago, he decided to share his talent with the crowd. His decision to participate in the talent show stemmed from his enjoyment of singing in front of others, a sentiment he expressed with a simple "might as well." Leading up to the performance, Michael practiced every day to ensure he delivered a captivating rendition of the song. As he took to the stage, his powerful vocals and delivery captivated the audience, earning him well-deserved applause and admiration. 

Deniya Mark's Kung Fu performance was a breathtaking display of skill and artistry, inspired by her father's teachings. With fluid movements and precision, she executed each technique with grace and poise. "Kung Fu has been a part of my life since childhood," Deniya explained. "It's about discipline and self-expression. My father taught me that." Her performance, set to the stirring melodies of Mulan, was a testament to her dedication and her rich cultural heritage.

Ina Sabarre and Kyla Tayo's piano and guitar duet of “A Night To Remember” by Laufey and beabadoobee was a harmonious blend of melody and emotion. Their fingers danced across the keys and strings with practiced ease, weaving a tapestry of sound that captivated the audience. "We've been practicing separately for weeks," Ina revealed. Their performance was more than just a musical collaboration; it was a testament to their friendship and shared passion for music. As they played, their connection was palpable, each chord and melody infused with emotion and meaning.

Ava Dvorak's soulful singing of “I Don’t Need a Roof” moved the audience as she shared the personal inspiration behind her performance. Ava shared her journey of resilience and strength following a devastating house fire. Her performance was an important reminder of the power of music to heal and uplift the spirit. Her voice carried the weight of her experiences, each lyric infused with emotion. She also revealed that her performance was a surprise to her parents. 

Chris Dominguez and Jacob Bo’s guitar and bass performance of “It Ain’t Like That” by Alice in Chains electrified the crowd with its energy and passion. Their fingers flew across the frets, producing a cascade of chords and melodies that reverberated throughout the auditorium. "We've been practicing every night," Chris said. Chris also advises to “Listen to the song when we're done, Alice in Chains is great!” 

Elena Okon's smooth vocals and stage presence earned her the title of Talent Show Winner, a testament to her dedication and talent. Her performance of “Smooth Operator” by Sade brought the audience to their feet, clapping and cheering in appreciation. "I couldn't have done it without the support of my family and friends," Elena humbly acknowledged. 

Julia Campbell's Irish step dance brought yet another touch of tradition and culture to the stage, showcasing the beauty and grace of a timeless art form. Her feet moved with precision and agility, keeping perfect time with the lively music. "Irish dancing has been my passion for years," Julia shared. "It's a way for me to connect with my heritage and share it with others. I'm proud to represent my culture on stage tonight."

Mr. Davis, the ISR teacher who surprised everyone with his freestyle performance, reflected on the experience with a smile. "It's been a blast," Mr. Davis remarked. "I'm proud to support our students and be part of such a vibrant community. The talent and creativity have truly blown me away."

Anthony Grossi, Adam Rochester, Jordan Santiago, Collin Lynch, and Gabe Toplanaj brought boy band charm and charisma to the stage, with their infectious energy and nostalgic vocals. Their performance of NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” was a fun demonstration of their friendship. Their advice to their die-hard fans was to “Believe in yourself,” and to “fake it till you make it.”

Last year's winner, Nick Paiva returned to the talent show stage and was met with cheers and applause despite some technical issues as he delivered another memorable performance. His powerful voice and magnetic stage presence held the audience captive, hanging on his every word. When asked about the talent acts this year, Nick responded, “I hope they’re as good as me.”

As the night drew to a close, Spanish Honor Society President Justin Perez reflected on the success of the event. "It's been an incredible evening," Justin said. "The talent and diversity showcased tonight are an indication of the strength and spirit of our school community. I couldn't be prouder of our performers and organizers." 

One of the seasoned judges, Mrs. Petrella, who has both judged and performed in past years, shared her insightful reflections. "It was a very strong show this year," she remarked. Acknowledging the overall quality of the performances, she added, "They were all pretty good." Expressing a desire for more engagement, she remarked, "I wish I had been asked some more questions." Her pride extended beyond the performances as she warmly concluded, "I’m proud of all of you guys, the food looked and smelled delicious too," referencing the array of dishes prepared and offered by members of the Spanish Honor Society during intermission.

The advisor for the Spanish Honor Society, Señor Oliveira, also shared valuable advice for future participants. “Never be afraid to show whatever talent you may have,'' he emphasized. “Participation in the talent show wasn't confined to members of specific groups or clubs. Everyone has something unique to offer.”

Indeed, John Jay's annual talent show was more than just a showcase of talent; it was a celebration of diversity, passion, and creativity—a true reflection of the vibrant tapestry that is the John Jay community.