Local performers win awards

National non-profit group American Kids Inc.

Young performers from Springdale, Ark., Berryville, Ark., Huntsville, Ark., and Disney, Okla., took home top honors in a local talent competition for members of America's only "little league" of entertainers, the non-profit American Kids Inc.

Overall vocal group winners were Tiffany Mitchell and Jessica Smith of Springdale, Ark. with "What is this Feeling?" Overall dance went to the group A Step Up Dance Co. with members Mallory Clark of Berryville, Ark., Cierra Riley and Rebecca Johnson of Huntsville, Ark. They danced to "Time to Rock." Overall vocal solo was Lacey Vowel of Springdale, Ark. who had two vocal solos tie for the top honor. She sang "Chains" and "The Rose." Overall general variety honors went to Eric Dysart of Disney, Okla., for his piano solo, "Etude Tableau in G Minor."

The next level of competition, a regionals, will be held May 30 in Branson at the Hamner/Barber Theatre. The competition is open to all youth from ages 3 through high school seniors who compete for a wide variety of prizes from cash to medallions and trophies for five age divisions are presented. High school seniors also qualify for many college scholarships awarded annually. The different levels of competition include 20 sub-categories under major categories of vocal, dance and general variety. Among the sub-categories are popular vocal, gospel vocal, opera, piano, instrumental, jazz dance, tap, clogging, character dance, patriotic vocal and more.

American Kids Inc. has volunteers and members in 25 states with offices in Branson, Mo. and Oklahoma City. American Kids is different from other competitions in the performance opportunities given the group's membership outside of the competition, according to Paula Petree, director of competitions.

"Our members, with guidance from our certified adult volunteers, present a vast number of shows on the local, regional and national level and take the opportunity to share their talent gifts for the benefit of others," said Petree.
For more information about the 23-year-old program, American Kids Inc., call 1-800-240-7016 or go to the website at americankids.com

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