Malmstrom’s talent abounds: Community members dabble in music, dance, poetry

  • Published
  • By Airman Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Singing, dancing and poetry showcased the wide range of talent possessed by Malmstrom youth and parents at the Family and Teen Talent Night Oct. 5 at the Grizzly Bend Club. 

Five categories made up the evening, including the parent and youth team; preteen, ages 9 to 12; teen, ages 13 to 15; teen, ages 16 to19; and family. 

The parent and youth team consisted of a mother-daughter duo, Leanne and Amanda Strok, 17, singing "Jesus, Take the Wheel." Two stunning performers made up the preteen category, with Tiffany Schwenck, 9, performing a baton routine to "In the Navy" in a sparkling patriotic ensemble. Shalom Newton, 10, performed a monologue, "Real," by Jimmy Brunelle, about self-sacrifice and giving to those less fortunate. 

In the teen, 13 to 15, category, Amber Gettis, 13, blew the crowd away with her rendition of Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man," followed by Kendall Nahorniak, 15, performing a flowing lyrical dance to Creed's "With Arms Wide Open." 

The 16 to 19 teen act was Amanda Strok, singing "Inside Your Heaven."
And finally, sisters Jazmyn, Rozlyn, 12, and Quinta, 8, sang a moving a cappella "Find your wings," in the family category. 

The Air Force Family and Teen Talent Program provides the opportunity for families and youth to participate in a recreation and educational activity, contribute to developing creative expression and provide the opportunity for the development of meaningful relationships with peers and adults. The program also helps youth develop an appreciation for the arts, according to a pamphlet provided by the Youth Programs Center.
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ideos of the participants will be judged at Air Force Level and the winner will be announced after Nov. 17. The first place winner will be invited to perform with Tops in Blue when the group performs at the winner's base. 

Judging is based on technical excellence, degree of mastery over particular performing medium; showmanship, combination of factors to include physical presence, appearance, poise, personality, creativity, enthusiasm and polish; interpretation of material and costuming, uniqueness of wardrobe and adaptation of wardrobe to the materials presented. 

"I was very pleased with the turn out we had this year," said Stevie Brown, who organized the event. "The participants were all very talented and represented the very best that Malmstrom has to offer."