December, 2015- Discover the Next Big Name in Music with Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast’s Watch A Rising Star
Local finalists have what it takes to hit the big time
West Palm Beach, FL (December 7, 2015) South Florida may be the home of the next Blake Sheldon or Taylor Swift, and Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast (JA) is bringing them to the spotlight at the 14th Annual Watch A Rising Star event. Local young talent will perform for judges and the final five will compete during the main event on February 13, 2016 at the Kravis Center. More than $13,000 will be awarded in scholarship money with event proceeds going to support JA classroom programs in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Hendry Counties.
These outstanding students are undergoing months of rigorous rehearsals and live performances leading up to the dynamic vocal competition finale.
Emily Rynasko, 18, Jupiter. The Pine School attendee dreams of attending Carnegie Mellon University but until then, she is gaining performance experience while performing regional theater, working in visual arts and being the prefect of her school’s environmental program. Maintaining excellent grades, she has also served as “Mayor” of JA’s landmark JA BizTown leading her fellow classmates in a real life experience in-the school based program where she was able to share her love of children by passing along valuable life skills.
Jana Jackson, 17, West Palm Beach. A Dreyfoos School of the Arts student, Jana has never taken a voice lesson and will gain valuable experience during the competition. Her natural abilities combined with her love of showmanship will serve her well during her dream of becoming a professional actress. No one took her dream seriously when she announced it at age 5, but soon family and friends discovered her outstanding abilities when she entered the rigorous Dreyfoos selection process with a perfect score. Even then, her struggle to prove herself continued and, while unable to afford private voice lessons, Jana was determined to work at it herself. The results speak for themselves as this previously quiet-voiced talent projects her vocals to the back of the house.
Dylan Jackson, 17, Lake Worth. Another Dreyfoos SotA student, Dylan has played the piano since age 3 and arranging A Capella pieces for nearly that long. His dream includes attending Carnegie Mellon (among other noted universities) and performing on Broadway. This may have been a challenge however, when as a younger child he had a grapefruit-sized tumor on the side of his face. While doctors told him it would remain for the rest of his life, the tumor shrank. Dylan took that as a sign that great things are in store for his life and he is determined to work to inspire others in achieving their own goals.
Celene Perez, 17, Royal Palm Beach. This King’s Academy student dreams of a life in the musical performance industry. She loves volunteering and helping children throughout the community while working on her performing craft. She notes that she wasn’t born with her musical abilities but has had to work hard to develop them, starting with her first role as a spoon in her school’s production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Celene now regularly performs leading roles including Carlotta in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and as the Mother Superior in THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
Gregorio Umana, 17, Wellington. Gregorio believes in the power of music to transform lives. He plans on attending Indiana State University and continuing his pursuit of becoming a professional musician. The Spanish, German and English speaker knows firsthand the struggles of achieving his goal. Gregorio sees obstacles as an opportunity to overcome, and through achieving, inspires others around the world to fight for their education and work towards their dreams like he has.
Maxime Pressert, 17, Palm Beach Gardens. Like many of the Watch A Rising Star contestants, Maxime is thrilled to work with JA’s performance coaches, Jackie and Jason, during the competition to hone his vocal and performance skills. The Dreyfoos attendee has set his sights on becoming “a working actor.” Not necessarily on Broadway, but as a career artist. He also aspires to one day produce his own plays. Recently, Maxime took a tour from Poland to Israel where he experienced life-changing visits to Auschwitz (where is Grandfather and namesake’s first wife was killed). The tour changed his perspective on the importance of Israel to the world, and the importance of valuing life.
Every one of the contestants is excited about the chance to be a part of the Watch A Rising Star experience in gaining skills and developing their crafts but most importantly, they value the opportunity to share their talents with others and to make a difference in the lives of students throughout our community. Watch A Rising Star Gala takes place February 13, 2016 at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Tickets for the black-tie-optional dinner are $200. Information on sponsorship and attending the dinner can be found the JA website: juniorachievement.com/event/junior-achievement-of-the-palm-beaches-and-treasure-coasts-watch-a-rising-star. For more information, please contact Claudia Barto, President of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast, (561) 242-9468 or email at [email protected].
Headshots: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wd1jru9afkui8gi/AACWxBsHgNxwv-7IIdxzdEgla?dl=0
About Junior Achievement:
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers that provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through twelfth grade knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. JA programs are taught by volunteers in the classroom and after school in over 109 schools and organizations throughout Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Hendry Counties. Junior Achievement programs are funded through contributions from businesses, individuals, foundations, and special event fundraisers. Visit www.juniorachievement.com for more information.