By Taylor Conley

Anah Hargrove, a Junior in the Student Life Club, came up with an interesting idea at the beginning of January. She thought a talent show would be a great event to hold at Tempe Prep.

“We’re not like most other schools, it’s a smaller community, so I know having events and doing things is a way to bring everyone together.” The hostess announcing contestants was junior Grace Newman.

On Saturday, March 30, TPA’s Got Talent started off with an excited audience. Apart from the ones who placed, there were some very notable acts. Jacqueline Risch and Allena De Soto-Facio sang “The Room Where It Happened” from the Broadway musical Hamilton. Also singing a song from a musical was sophomore Lizzie Turley. Lizzie sang a great version of “Waving Through a Window” from Dear Evan Hansen.

The Improv Club performed some stand-up comedy, which the audience greatly enjoyed. Chase Bloodworth, a current 6th grader, sang “Candlelight,” which was also a big hit. After the 15 acts had all finished, Anah Hargrove, the committee’s chairman, sang an a capella version of “Lost Boy” by Ruth B.

After every single act, the crowd roared in support. It must have taken a lot of guts to get on stage in front of 50-something people, but the contestants persisted.

Audience members received small paper ballots on which they listed which acts they liked best. Then, it was time to announce the winners. Contestants walked nervously up to the stage, standing in a semi-single file line. Third place, a trophy prize 3D-Printed by Mr. Cates, went to James Nergard. James is a 7th grader, who played a Scott Joplin medley he arranged himself which included “The Entertainer.”

Second place went to Preston Smith, who sang “a song from Ratatouille in French,” as he announced before he sang. It was great! He was awarded a trophy and a 110-pack of stickers.

Finally, first place went to Sam Goodykoontz, a sophomore. He performed a comedic singing act that the audience thought was very funny. He won a 5-pound bag of candy.

Every participant in the show also received TPA Knights keychains, which were also created by Mr. Cates.

The show then concluded, and everyone headed home delighted by all the fun performances.