Sullivan West’s “Got Talent”

By TED WADDELL

Posted 11/17/21

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — The world at large has “America’s Got Talent,” but Sullivan West had its own hometown version in a talent show presented before an enthusiastic crowd of …

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Sullivan West’s “Got Talent”

RR photos by Ted Waddell

Tom Scardino performs “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young.

RR photo by Ted Waddell

Lyric Hemion performed an original composition titled “Thieving and Forgiving” in the first act, and later “Yellow” by Coldplay.

RR photos by Ted Waddell

Sidney Solomon performed "No Surprises" by Radiohead.

Posted Wednesday, November 17, 2021 4:01 pm

Sullivan West’s Walker moves on

By TED WADDELL

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — The world at large has “America’s Got Talent,” but Sullivan West had its own hometown version in a talent show presented before an enthusiastic crowd of hundreds on Wednesday, November 10 in the high school auditorium.

So instead of “AGT,” featuring Howie, Simon and Heidi, not to mention lingering memories of Howard Stern, local folks were treated to a showcase of talented students, with the added spice of a couple of teachers tossed into the mix.

The talent show was presented in two acts and featured some specular original dance routines, fancy guitar work, and a first-ever vocal and guitar duo for the show by father and daughter Brad and Anabelle Rutledge..

The talent show couldn’t have been a success without the efforts of juniors Nicholas Cichetti and Lucia Kennedy, who filled in as emcees until Class of 2023 president Dillan Hanslmaier and vice president Jaymes Buddenhagen wrapped up football practice. Also notable was the work of the stage crew, juniors Colin Kavleski and Will Chellis, while juniors Paige Muzurik and Beth Sykes helped out with sound and lighting.

And so, as AGT gave way to SWGT, the Class of 2023 is looking ahead to graduation in a couple of years.

According to the Class of 2023 advisors J.P. Lang and Patricia Norden, the popular benefit performance, sponsored by the juniors, raised an estimated $1,000.

“I saw so many smiles last night,” said Norden, adding, “I think everyone had a good time. This was an event that emphasized the fun in fundraiser… It’s a privilege to work with students and staff who are so talented and brave.”

While recognizing those in the limelight, Norden gave an appreciative nod to the folks backstage. “While the performers are very deserving of the applause they receive on show night, the show would not be possible without the help of many hands behind the scenes.”

Shining stars

Sullivan West students put on a fabulous talent show on November 10. Here’s a list of the performers:

Act I

Social studies teacher Carissa Coppola performed “American Honey” by Lady A, accompanied on piano by junior Angela Cordischi; juniors Anabelle Wagner and Megan Cristaldi teamed up for a Beyoncé medley; English teacher Dori Grecco joined junior Angela Cordischi and senior Kaitlyn McBride as ukulele trio Two Stools and a Chair, playing “You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell. The Bluebirds, a quartet featuring seventh-graders Taylor Kehrley and Aimee Walton on clarinet, Arianna Kautz on alto sax and Haley Clark on flute, performed RWS Winds’ “A Minor Holiday Celebration.” Technology teacher Tom Scardino took to the guitar and harmonica for Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold.”

Clarinetists Brooklyn Viero, a seventh-grader, and her eighth-grade sister Hannah Abplanalp performed the “Star-Spangled Banner,” plus “Starlight” by Muse. Guitarist Lyric Hemion, a senior, presented her original composition titled “Thieving and Forgiving” and Angela Cordischi sang “When We Were Young” by Adele. To close out the first act with graceful style, sophomore Alexa Rogers and freshman Arieanna Hinkley wowed ‘em with their original dance routine to “Traitor” by Olivia Rodrigo.

Act II

Senior Kaitlyn McBride, on piano, performed “Midnight Love” by Girl in Red. Anabelle Wagner and Megan Cristaldi, 11th-graders, mesmerized the crowd with contemporary dance based on Billie Eilish’s “Lovely.” Taylor Wall and Anabelle Rutledge, seniors, combined forces for “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron and Arianna Kautz performed an alto sax solo of “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!”

Sophomore Lucy Arzille sang “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley; Lyric Hemion returned to center stage with “Yellow” by Coldplay and 12th-grader Sidney Solomon on guitar performed “No Surprise” by Radiohead.

Brad Rutledge and his senior daughter Anabelle took the audience back in time with Bon Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”

In a surprise appearance, Sullivan West alum Hunter Mall from the Class of 2020 performed on guitar, and afterwards was ceremoniously carried offstage by the stage crew.

Cheyenne Decker, a junior, and sophomore Henry Simon teamed up to perform “Teach Your Children Well” by Neil Young. And to bring down the curtain, Kaitlyn McBride sang a spirited rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by the immortal Francis Scott Key.