Gilroy teen makes it to finals of singing competition
Congratulations to Christopher High School freshman, Sierra McKenna. The musical-loving teen has made it to the Top 10 of South Bay Teen Idol, an American Idol-style singing competition for students in grades 8-12. The only Gilroy participant, McKenna, 15, was one of twenty singers to perform at the competition’s semi-finals on Saturday at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos where she gave a rousing rendition of “Stay With Me” from Into the Woods. The 20 singers spent weeks working with the event’s producers to prepare for the high-energy show, just like the real TV singing competition. McKenna, who has been involved with musical theater since 3rd grade and participated in 40 musicals, will advance to the competition’s finals on April 1 where she will perform in front of an audience of more than 350 and a panel of judges. The judges will select the top three finalists and then the audience will decide the winner. Open to youth of good academic standing in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo and Alameda Counties, South Bay Teen Idol awards a first prize of $2,500 plus a $500 donation to the winner’s school. Second and third place winners also receive prizes.
Girl Scout makes good
Amanda Miller, 15, has received the Silver Award, the second highest honor a Girl Scout can earn for community service. For her service project, the Senior Girl Scout from Troop 60493, made a Buddy Bench for her old school, El Roble Elementary School. Buddy Benches have become popular anti-bullying devices and promote inclusion of all students. Miller worked with the school’s Home and School Club President, Ginger Hulbert, to find out exactly what the students needed. The Buddy Bench was presented last month during the Home and School Club meeting.
Have coffee with the mayor
Gilroy Mayor Roland Velasco wants to have coffee with you– the people of Gilroy–on Saturday at Council Chambers, 7351 Rosanna St., starting at 9:30 a.m. You bring the questions. The city will provide the coffee and pastries.
Give peace a chance
With all the battles and anger around, the Gilroy Public Library is offering a contrast–a Peace Education Program–geared to helping people develop inner resources to give peace a chance. “The purpose of the Peace Education Program is to help participants discover their own inner resources–innate tools for living such as inner strength, choice and hope–and the possibility of personal peace,” it says. Meetings are 7 p.m. Tuesdays March 28, April 25 and May 30 at the Library.
Give music a chance
Mark your calendar for two great international level events: A brilliant classical pianist, Sandra Wright Shen, is doing a free show at Gilroy’s Piano Outlet (8401 Church St.) Sunday at 3 p.m. All you have to do is RSVP at (408) 767-2990. Then, March 18, there’s Gavilan’s annual Bach to Blues featuring Maria Amirkhanian, Dahveed Behroozi, Alberto Marqués, Nate Pruitt & Primary Colors and Sam Sotelo.
