GRAHAMSVILLE--A talent show staged Friday night April 5 at
the Tri-Valley Central School produced more than talented participants but
clearly showed the strong love a granddaughter has for her grandfather and the
need to support the American Cancer Society.
Fifteen-year-old Lauren Carlsen, a sophomore at Tri-Valley,
wrote on the inside show program cover that "about two years ago my grandfather
Paul Gizinski" who made his home in Bridgeport, Conn. and in the states of
Virginia and New York, "was diagnosed with leukemia which is a type of cancer
which most of the time requires chemotherapy."
Lauren added, "as many of you know cancer is not only hard
to go through, but as a family member or a close friend, it is just as hard to
go through."
"My grandfather, my life and inspiration to this all,
recently died on February 27, he had finally lost his battle to leukemia and now
is not in pain and is happier," Lauren said.
As a result of her grandfather's death and the love she had
for him Lauden saw a need to be fulfilled and she commented that "this event
means the world to me and I hope this year is greater than last and I hope that
one day this world will be cancer and pain free."
Lauren is the daughter of Dale and Tammy Carlsen of
Hurleyville. At Tri-Valley Central High School she is an active cheerleader, is
on the yearbook committee and is involved in the Sullivan County American Cancer
Society Relay For Life.
What proved to be a great inspiration to everyone was when
Lauren sang a song while a slide show of pictures of her grandfather was shown
on the stage screen.
Participants in the show included Kayla Ward, Marissa
Gennaro, Kimberly Doyle, Fiona Luiso, Brandon Jersey, Heidi Snyder, Maria
TerBush, Megan Comfort, Heather Failla, Ashley Exner, Michael Beiling, Anna
Dexheimer and KeyAlease Sherwood.
Judges included Robert Peters, Chris McAssey, Rebekka
Doolittle and Renee Simerson.
Capturing the winning votes of the judges were 1st place to
guitar player singer Anna Dexheimer, 2ed place to piano player singer Maria
TerBush who sang "My Heart Will Go On" and 3ed place to singer Megan Comfort who
sang "Titanium."
Ticket admission proceeds and funds from the selling of
food, beverages and raffles will go to the American Cancer Society in the amount
of $1,155. This show was the second annual event and last year the show raised
$1,000.
First, second and third place winners
received $100, $50 and $25.
IDENTIFICATION OF ABOVE PHOTOS
Talent show producer 15-year-old Lauren Carlsen singing a
tribute to her grandfather.
Talent show producer Lauren Carlsen, left, with the winners
of the April 5 talent show, Anna Dexheimer, Maria TerBush and Megan
Comfort.
Judging the April 5 talent show were, from the left, Robert
Peters, Chris McAssey, Rebekka Doolittle and Renee Simerson.
The winner of the April 5 talent show Anna Dexheimer playing
her guitar and singing.
Second place in the April 5 talent show went to Maria TerBush
shown here playing the piano and singing "My Heart Will Go On."
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