Children in the performing arts program at the Utica Salvation Army sang and danced their way to seven trophies in the recent Empire State Division’s Star Search competition held at The Salvation Army’s Long Point Camp on Seneca Lake.
Utica’s Singing Company – a chorus of 10 youngsters 13 and younger – took first place and now will compete in the Eastern Territorial Star Search Talent Display in Hershey, PA on June 11. The Utica chorus consists of Ashanti King, Jamiyah House, Daisha Starkey, Emani Gordon, Alexis Deleon, Alicea Deleon, Shydone Launox, Kayla Hopper, Kimmie Wood, and Genisis Cruz.
Utica’s dance troupes took second place in Dance Level A and third place in Dance Level B. Level A dancers were Jamiyah House, Emani Gordon, Alexis Deleon, Alicea Deleon, Shydone Launox, Kayla Hopper, Genisis Cruz, and Tyshaun Murph. Level B dancers were Jamiyah House, Emani Gordon, Ashanti King, and Kayla Hopper.
The Drama Troupe won second place in a sacred dance performance. The troupe included Ashanti King, Jamiyah House, Daisha Starkey, Emani Gordon, Alexis Deleon, Alicea Deleon, Shydone Launox, Kayla Hopper, Tyshaun Murph, and Genisis Cruz.
Three Utica soloists won trophies, too. They are:
— 2nd place Vocal Solo: Daisha Starkey.
— 2nd place Level 1 Dance Solo: Kayla Hooper.
— 3rd place Level 1 Dance Solo: Emani Gordon.
The children, who attend Utica city schools, practice several days a week as part of The Salvation Army’s performing arts and character-building after-school programs, noted Lt. Lena Harrington, who is in charge of the local Salvation Army along with her husband, Lt. Michael Harrington.