Olivia Hedges and Emma Wolfe performed Wicked song, "For Good."
For those of you that missed the talent show last Friday, it was an evening packed with laughter and awe. Many of the talents were more vocally performative, making for a diverse musical experience. From pop to rock, the night reflected a range of abilities whether it be with voice or guitar. The night would not have gone as seamlessly as it did were it not for Jude Stapperfine and Landon Tingle hosting, or rather competing. Jude and Landon entertained the audience during what could have been the more mundane transitions between acts. The pair kept the crowd in a laughable mood in placing unfair bets, having comedic spats, and sarcastic banter.
All of the acts followed in the hosts’ footsteps. With a strong start, Emily Kennedy backed up by Aislinn Spencer, Reagan Snyder, Aubrey Loy, Emma Wolfe, Sky Toller, Isabella Sturgeon performed, “I Won’t Say I’m in Love,” built a romantically tart foundation for the following talents and even had some of the crowd singing along. Another group, the Select Choir, wowed with their trained vocal cords and fluent voice rotations. Taking a break from singing, Annie Kunkel and Bryson Stewart dazzled with their saxophones dueting, “City of Stars.” The two seniors choreographed a routine while craftily carrying out the La La Land favorite with their instruments. Another senior pair, Emma Wolfe and Olivia Hedges performed a heartfelt rendition of, “For Good,” from Wicked. They may have been singing to the entire audience, but the song stuck a chord for many of the departing seniors. To lighten the tone of the talent show, Mrs. Core-Stine’s drama class improved a few scenes. Although it was meant to be spontaneous, the group made the dialogue seem planned, proving their talent all the more. To end it all, Christian Pronk and Brayden Huff sent an electric shock throughout the cafeteria with the drums and guitar. Each crash, strum, and thud were purposeful becoming the firework finale of the 2025 Walton Verona Talent Show.
The talent show was evidence of the creativity radiating throughout the community as well as the genuine appreciation of each student’s abilities. Organizing such an event, though, requires multiple working components and although they may not always take the credit, they certainly deserve appreciation for such a successful show. Fortunately, the talent show is annual and will come around again next year. If you want to participate in a wonderful night surrounded by friends and family, start preparing your act now and get ready to shine!
Below is the list of acts and performers…
Won’t say I’m in love – Emily Kennedy backed up by Aislinn Spencer, Reagan Snyder, Aubrey Loy, Emma Wolfe, Sky Toller, Isabella Sturgeon
Saxophone duet – Annie Kunkle and Bryson Stewart “City of Stars”
From the Start – WVHS Select Choir Katie Warner, Luke Muirheid, Emily Kennedy, Emma Wolfe, Olivia Hedges, Isabella Sturgeon, Lyndsey Meredith
Zoey Parker “Wish you the Best”
Man or Muppet – Olivia Hedges and Luke Muirheid
Gonzalo Parra – “Home” with Christian Pronk
Apple Tree – WVHS Choir Members Aislinn Spencer, Sky Toller, Brina Thornton, Isabella Sturgeon, Abby Hamilton, Katie Bonar, Olivia Hedges, Emma Wolfe, Aubrey Loy, Reagan Snyder with Annie Kunkle
Improve – Alien Game and Change (Jude Stapperfenne, Landen Tingle, Olivia Hedges)
Linger – Advanced Guitar and Piano classes – Lily Vandiver, Cam Vansickle, Gonzalo Parra, Annie Kunkle, Ethan Davis, Kamryn Limle
Improv – Hoedown (Jude Stapperfenne, Landen Tingle, Olivia Hedges)
For Good – Olivia Hedges and Emma Wolfe
Hot for Teacher- Brayden Huff and Christian Pronk