Stars of Tomorrow History

Stars of Tomorrow History

Kiwanian Edwin Hunter and a car load of other Kiwanians were returning from a meeting in Denver one evening in 1946, when Edwin suggested that the local Kiwanis club sponsor a youth talent show. The others in the car agreed and thus began a long tradition of shows not only locally but nationally as well. The first show was called "Talent Night", and aside from the youth performers, featured a group of Kiwanians dressed up as women (there were no women in Kiwanis at that time - women had set up parallel organizations over time, but the organization changed to accept both men and women in 1987). The net proceeds from that show was just over $550.00 which was used to purchase uniforms for 20 boys football teams.

Now known as the "Stars of Tomorrow" show, it is open to boys and girls in two categories, the Junior Division is comprised of elementary school, middle school, and junior high school age participants, and the Senior Division features high school age participants. There is competition in contemporary and classical sections, with performers of vocal and instrumental music, sketch comedy, scenes from theater, or dance. From those categories and sections all performers receive recognition for having passed the tryout phase, and the first, second and third place winners receive a plaque. Determination is then also made for an overall winner of the show who attends a regional competition for the opportunity to receive scholarship funds toward attending the college of their choice. The overall winner of the regional event may also potentially compete at the national level.

What started as a local event has now grown to be a Kiwanis National project with annual shows all over the country. The rules and regulations set forth by this local club have been adopted by the national organization so that all "Stars of Tomorrow" shows are governed the same way. The Boulder Kiwanis established the local event in 1953.

Kiwanis International is one of the largest community-service organizations dedicated primarily to helping the children of the world. Kiwanis International serves children and communities worldwide with nearly 600,000 adult and youth members in more than 80 nations. Kiwanis International builds bridges of better understanding through service to children and communities worldwide.

As one of the world's leading community-service organizations, Kiwanis' strength is that it is both international and local. Collectively, clubs have responded to global problems while continuing to address local needs.

Kiwanians are ordinary people who perform extraordinary "hands-on" work. Our 290,000 adult members annually invest more than seven million hours and $100 million in projects that strengthen our communities and serve children. Wherever there's a need, Kiwanians will be there - as they have for 88 years, making a difference for children and for their communities.

Kiwanians unite in service worldwide for children and their communities. Every day, Kiwanians are revitalizing neighborhoods, organizing youth-sports programs, planting trees, erecting playgrounds, and performing countless other projects to help the young, aging, and needy.

Kiwanis International plays a special role in leadership development. Kiwanis-sponsored organizations teach community service and leadership skills to elementary through college-age students. Through these organizations, Kiwanis is passing the ideals of service to future generations.

Kiwanis International is a key partner in the fight to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders, the world's leading preventable cause of mental retardation. To date, Kiwanis has raised US $73 million in cash contributions toward its US $75 million goal. We are protecting 90 million children in 98 countries from being born with iodine deficiency disorders or mental retardation.

For Kiwanians, commitment and compassion go hand in hand. The needs of the world are great, but together, Kiwanians in 8,600 clubs and more than 80 countries worldwide, can and do accomplish a lot for children and communities.

The Kiwanians of Boulder work together to achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. Our focus is to make Boulder a better place to live.

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