on your tenure as the 3rd district representative
TRANSCRIPT
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Congratulations
Bro. Ezekiel “Zeke” Dennison, Jr.
On Your Tenure as the
3rd District Representative
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Third District Talent Hunt Committee
Saturday, April 29, 2017 Three o’clock in the afternoon
HILTON CRYSTAL CITY
2399 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Virginia
Brother William L. Prentiss, Jr. 3rd District Talent Hunt Committee Chairman
3rd District Meeting of
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Presents the 3rd District
80th Annual Richmond
2013
81st Annual Crystal City
2014
82nd Annual Norfolk
2015
83rd Annual Virginia Beach
2016
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 3rd District Talent Hunt Photographer
Former Talent Hunt contestants pictured above. Photography courtesy of Alvin Swilley of CandidQueShots.
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Special Thanks To our
Participants, Parents,
Judges, Teachers,
Local Talent Hunt Chairmen,
Core Committee Members,
and
Alpha Omega Chapter—
the 84th District Conference Host.
Bro. Ezekiel “Zeke” Dennison, Jr.
28th Third District Representative
Bro. William L. Prentiss, Jr., M.M.Ed
Third District Talent Hunt Chairman
First Vice DR Bro. Kevin “KB” Brown
Second Vice DR Bro. Marshawn Shelton
District Keeper of Records and Seal Bro. Conrado B. Morgan
April 29, 2017
Greetings Brothers, Contestants, Parents and Instructors,
On behalf of the Third District of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, I would like to welcome you to the Third District’s Talent Hunt Competition and the 84th Third District Meeting. The Fraternity’s Talent Hunt Competition was established as a means to provide exposure, encouragement and financial assistance, in the form of potential college scholarships, to young people who participate in the performing arts.
I salute each one of the contestants for their dedication to their craft and the pursuit of excellence. It takes a great deal of discipline, sacrifice and commitment to be able to perform and compete at the level at which these young people compete. These are the character traits which will serve them well and guarantee success in whatever field of endeavor they choose to pursue. The parents and instructors also deserve congratulations and thanks for their continuing support, nurturing, and most importantly, love, in helping these talented young people hone their skills and achieve their dreams.
Finally, I would like to thank Bro. William Prentiss and the Third District Talent Hunt Committee for their extremely hard and dedicated work in ensuring that our Talent Hunt Competition will continue to remain as the highlight event of the Third District Meeting.
Sincerely,
Ezekiel “Zeke” Dennison, Jr.
28th Third District Representative
District Keeper of Finance Bro. William T. Calhoun
District Chaplain Bro. Rev. Dr. James Edwards, III
Director of Public Relations Bro. Norm “Bougie” Senior
District Counselor Bro. Vincent Robertson, Esq.
2014 District Marshal Bro. Harvey L. Woodson, Jr.
Immediate Past DR Bro. Robert C. Warren, Jr., Esq.
Ezekiel “Zeke” Dennison, Jr. 28TH THIRD DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE
Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. • 1810 Reddy Drive, Woodbridge VA 22199 • www.3rdDistrictQues.org
3rdDistrictQues.org
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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Third District Officers
Brother Ezekiel “Zeke” Dennison, Jr.
District Representative
First Vice District Representative Brother Kevin “KB” Brown
Second Vice District Representative Brother Isiah West
District Keeper of Records and Seals Brother Conrado B. Morgan
District Keeper of Finance Brother William Terry Calhoun
District Counselor Brother Vincent Robertson, Esq.
District Editor/Public Relations Brother Norm “Bougie” Senior
District Chaplain Brother Rev. Dr. James Edwards, III
2017 District Marshal Brother Gary C. Clark
2018 District Marshal Brother Richard Mason
Immediate Past District Representative Brother Robert C. Warren, Jr., Esq.
Brother William L. Prentiss, Jr.
Third District Talent Hunt Committee Chairman
Core Committee Members
Brother Cris Abad Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter
Brother James E. Carver, Jr. Phi Phi Chapter
Brother William L. Prentiss, Jr. Phi Phi Chapter
Brother Rowland Webb, Sr. Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter
Brother Arnold Westbrook Delta Omega Chapter
Brother Tracey Whitehurst Tau Rho Chapter
Brother Wade Boykin, III Alpha Omega Chapter, Host Chapter
2013 Contestants and gentlemen of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
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80th Annual Talent Hunt Richmond, VA
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2014 Contestants and gentlemen of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
81st Annual Talent Hunt Crystal City, VA
Third District Local Talent Hunt Chairmen
Brother Cris Abad Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter
Brother Michael Artis Alpha Iota Chapter
Brother Alan Bagby Gamma Alpha Chapter
Brother Xavier Beale Lambda Nu Chapter
Brother Cornelius Beidleman Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter
Brother Michael Bennett Sigma Mu Mu Chapter
Brother Wade Boykin, III Alpha Omega Chapter
Brother Jerome Bynum Lambda Omega Chapter
Brother James E. Carver, Jr. Phi Phi Chapter
Brother Brandon Dickerson Kappa Psi Chapter
Brother Warren Goldsborough Upsilon Nu Chapter
Brother Victor Herbin Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter
Brother Vincent Johnson Zeta Iota Chapter
Brother Cameron Mix Zeta Mu Mu Chapter
Brother Anthony Reyes Kappa Iota Iota Chapter
Brother Anthony Robinson Xi Iota Chapter
Brother Vince Smithers Tau Rho Chapter
Brother James Thornton Omicron Omega Chapter
Brother Dennis Tysinger Alpha Iota Chapter
Brother Arnold Westbrook Delta Omega Chapter
Brother David J. Whitted Gamma Xi Chapter
Brother Kenneth Williams Phi Phi Chapter
Brother Owen Wilson Psi Nu Chapter
Brother Wistar Withers Gamma Omega Chapter
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The Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is made up of 2000 members with 42 chapters in Washington, D.C. and Virg
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2015 contestants
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82nd Annual Talent Hunt Norfolk, VA
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2016 Contestants
83rd Annual Talent Hunt Virginia Beach, VA
The Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is made up of 2000 members with 42 chapters in Washington, D.C. and Virginia.
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Welcome ……………………………………………………………..Brother William L. Prentiss, Jr. Chairman, Third District Talent Hunt Committee, Phi Phi Chapter
Invocation …………………………………………………….Brother and Rev. Dr. James Edwards, III Third District Chaplain, Lambda Omega Chapter
Presentation of Judges …………………………………Brother Michael Bennett, Sigma Mu Mu Chapter
Master of Ceremonies
Presentation of Contestants ………………………………Brother Tracey Whitehurst, Tau Rho Chapter
Brian Chevres Dancer “My Immortal” by Evanescence
Jessica Howard Vocalist “Home” by Charlie Smalls
Mara Suggs Vocalist “Poor Wandering One!” by Gilbert and Sullivan
William C. Noel, II Pianist “Elege Op.3 No.1” by Sergei Rachmaninoff
Samantha McCarty Vocalist “Le Violette” by Alessandro Scarlatti
Nadiya Carcana Vocalist “Cry Me A River” by Arthur Hamilton
Noah Campbell Saxophonist “Cousin Mary” by John Coltrane
Kobie Turner Vocalist “Gospel Medley” by Kobie Turner
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Congratulations contestants
on your solid gold performances!
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Talent Hunt Competition
Where Tomorrow’s Stars Shine Today!
BRIAN CHEVRES
Brian was inspired to dance after watching Step Up.
His mother sent him to a break dancing class in 2009.
he only took one class but started to study dance on
his own. He taught himself the style of popping in
2010. He was nervous starting out on his own but
feels very comfortable now after years of practice and
competitions. In 2014 he joined his first dance crew at
his school and won competitions. He won several 1st
place competitions for South Gate’s Got Talent. He
also took classes at the Fairfax Dance Academy to
broaden his dance into lyrical, tap, and jazz. He loves
dance and knows that this is what he wants to do the
rest of his life.
KOBIE TURNER
Kobie was born in Tallahassee, Florida and lived there
for 12 years before moving up to Northern Virginia. He
has been singing in school choir and playing guitar for
5 years. In 5 years of choir he has been a delegate to
multiple All-District and All-State Choirs as well as the
Senior Honors Choir. He arranges music for the
A Capella group Treble in Paradise (which he is the
leader of). He has also was selected 1st Team All-
District, 1st Team All-Region, 2nd Team USA Today’s
All-Virginia, and Honorable Mention All-Met for offen-
sive and defensive line and was inducted this year into
the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame. He also
received the scholar athlete award for maintaining
a 4.275 GPA during the football season. He will be
playing football at the University of Richmond this fall.
JESSICA HOWARD
Jessica is a senior at Rock Ridge High School. She
enjoys singing and songwriting. This fall she will
attend the New York University Tisch School of the
Arts, where she will study recorded music at the Clive
Davis School of Music.
WILLIAM C. NOEL, II
William is a 15 year old sophomore enrolled in the
Biotech program at Osbourn Park High School. He is
most interested in science and math, and hopes to
become a doctor or dentist. He is involved in multiple
after-school activities, such as math Honor Society,
Model UN, Math Team, and Key Club. William also
participates in Madrigals choir at school. Some of his
hobbies include piano, singing, playing football, and
golfing. Piano has been a strong passion of his since
he was six years old.
TRINITI CUNNINGHAM
Triniti is a unique and talented junior at Appomattox
Regional Governor’s School (Petersburg, VA). She
regularly performs with the Zion’s Voice Gospel youth
and young adult choir, where she serves as vocal
leader. She is also one of the vocalists for the
jazz band “Pieces of the Puzzle.” She has traveled
to Massachusetts to participate in the Berklee High
School Festival where she was fortunate to be one
of the top ten finalists. Triniti plans on pursuing her
singing career at Berklee College of Music in an effort
to accomplish her goal of becoming a professional
singer.
MARA SUGGS
Mara is a fifteen year old 10th grader at Bethel
High School in Hampton, Virginia. Words that
describe her are intelligent, hard-working, determined,
compassionate, God-fearing, and humorous. Mara is
an inspirational singer/songwriter who began singing
at age 8. I live, breathe, and eat music. I realize God
has given me a gift and I don’t take it for granted.
After high school, Mara plans to attend Hampton
University with a double major in Music Performance
Emphasis and Business Administration. She chose
two majors because she knows she must be well
versed in all aspects of the music industry.
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The 84th Annual Talent Hunt Contestants
Trequan Manning Vocalist “Summertime” by George Gershwin
Philip Lambert Pianist “Scherzo, Opus 31, No. 2” by Chopin
Sterling Elliott Cellist “Suite for Cello Solo” by Gaspar Cassado
Triniti Cunningham Vocalist “My Funny Valentine” by Frank Sinatra/ Ella Fitzgerald
Sterling M. Hall Pianist “Fur Elise” by Ludwig van Beethoven
Antonio Hammett Vocalist “Give Me Jesus” by Moses Hogan
Ricky Goodwyn, Jr. Vocalist “Zueignung (Devotion)” by Richard Strauss
Presentation of Certificates and Awards …………………………………Brother William L. Prentiss, Jr. Chairman, Third District Talent Hunt Committee
Brother Harvey Woodson 3rd District Foundation President
Remarks ………………………………………………………………...Brother Ezekiel Dennison, Jr. Third District Representative
Benediction …………………………………………………..Brother and Rev. Dr. James Edwards, III Third District Chaplain, Lambda Omega Chapter
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3rd District Talent Hunt Judges
ARTHUR LOCKAMY, JR, Director of Choral Activities and Department Chair at Fred Lynn Middle School, Prince William County, Va. Arthur is excited to adjudicate this evening’s performances. He himself is a former 1st place winner of the Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt. As an undergraduate at George Mason University, Mr. Lockamy studied private voice with Metropolitan Opera Artist, Myra Merritt and world renowned, Patricia Miller. He also had numerous coaching sessions with the late, Sylvia Olden Lee; the first African American to be employed by The Metropolitan Opera House in New York, as he prepared to perform Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs with full orchestral accompaniment. Under the direction of Col. Arnold Gabriel, The Concerto competition proved to be one of the highlights of Arthur’s career. Arthur studied Graduate Conducting with Dr. Stanley Engebretson and Dr. Lisa Billingham; noted for her expertise in The Laban Movement, also at GMU. In 2005, Arthur was given the opportunity to conduct the GMU Chamber Singers at the National Cathedral during their Lenten Service. What's more, Arthur studied in the Vocal Artistry Program with Dr. Beverly Hay and Mrs. Rebecca Turner, Director of Opera, at the Petrie School of Music, Converse College in S.C. Currently he teaches private voice lessons to several Prince William County High School students. His students have been chosen for All County, All District, All State and Honors Choirs. Many of his students have been chosen for the prestigious Interlochen
Center for the Arts. An accomplished pianist, Arthur has accompanied for Prince William County’s All County Honors Choirs as well as District IX’s Honors Choirs. Arthur has had the privilege of performing for the Presidential Prayer breakfast on Capitol Hill. Notably, Arthur performed the National Anthem for the opening season of the Washington Wizards. Arthur is called upon as an adjudicator for Choral Music Festivals and Auditions throughout the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area. CHRISTOPHER STEELE is a low-brass freelance musician (Tenor Trombone, Bass trombone, Euphonium) in the Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD areas performing in symphonic, musical theater, and commercial music styles. Mr. Steele is an active performer with the Heritage Trombone Ensemble and the Slide Artist Trombone Quartet. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and a Master of Music in Trombone Performance from Howard University in Washington, DC. Mr. Steele currently teaches General Music and Choir at Fillmore Arts Center in Washington, DC. He is an active arranger, clinician, and adjudicator for middle school, high school and collegiate band programs. Mr. Steele has performed with musical greats including Tony Bennet, Lady Gaga, McCoy Tyner, Billy Taylor, and Hubert Laws. He has studied with Dr. Paul Schultz, Douglas Rosenthal, Lee Rogers, and Craig Mulcahy.
STERLING ELLIOTT
Sterling began his cello studies at the age of three,
and he made his solo debut at the age of seven. He
has performed for French and American cellist Yo Yo
Ma and also performed alongside recording artist
Jennifer Hudson. Sterling was also featured in a 3-
page interview in the October 2015 “Strings” Maga-
zine. Sterling has soloed with the Cleveland Sympho-
ny Orchestra, The South Bend Symphony Orchestra,
The Colours of Music Festival Orchestra, the New
World Symphony, The Buffalo Philharmonic Orches-
tra, and The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra. He
also performed a 7-week national tour with the Sphinx
Virtuosi Ensemble which included a stunning perfor-
mance at Carnegie Hall. Sterling is an alum of NPR’s
From the Top, a nationally syndicated radio broadcast
featuring America’s most talented young musicians,
where he was announced as a recipient of a $10,000
Jack Kent Cooke Award.
STERLING M. HALL
Sterling is a 10th grade student at Salem High School.
He was born with Diaphragmatic hernia and flown
immediately to the University of Virginia. His parents
were allowed to put a cassette player in his NICU bed
which played different kinds of music day and night.
He knows that is where his love of music came from.
Sterling has taken piano lessons for 9 years and has
been a student of the Jefferson Music Lab for two
years. He volunteers at Brandon Oaks along with
playing at many places with Star City Swagg.
RICKY GOODWYN, JR.
Ricky is a 16 year-old student at Franklin High School
who also attends the Governor’s School for the Arts.
He recently placed 3rd in the county for High School
Male in the NATS competition. Ricky loves to sing and
attend church.
The 84th Annual Talent Hunt Contestants
NADIYA CARCANA
Nadiya is a duel-enrolled student studying vocal music
in addition to her honor based studies. Her current
grade point average stands at a 3.7. in her four years
of high school, she has been very active in community
and church activities. In church she serves as a secre-
tary for Sunday school and a mentor for the youth
while also being apart of the youth choir and praise
dance team. Aside from church affiliated activities, she
has completed nearly 100 hours of community service
in different organizations such as political campaigns,
thrift stores, churches, school functions, and libraries.
An honor she received is being inducted into the Na-
tional Honor Society in 10th grade and continuing to
be apart of that society through her senior year. She
plans on attending George Mason University where
she will major in computer science and minor in vocal
jazz. Her aspirations have always included her being
able to make a difference and to be an inspiration to
others in every aspect of her life.
PHILIP LAMBERT
Philip is the oldest of 5 children. He is a 17 year old
junior at Stafford High School. He has studied under
Mrs. Sandra Anderson for 9 years and has won nu-
merous piano competitions, including the James Bland
regional (twice), placed 2nd in FFPA Young Artist
Competition in 2015 + 2016 and won in 2017, and 2nd
place (twice) in the PSO YAC. He also won last year’s
Omega Chapter Competition and placed 3rd in the
District Competition. He plays the violin. He is also an
accomplished runner, achieving All-State honors in
Cross Country and indoor track and qualifying for New
Balance Indoor Nationals in the 2 mile. Philip is a
National AP Scholar and has attained a perfect Math
SAT and perfect ACT.
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The 84th Annual Talent Hunt Contestants
ANTONIO HAMMETT
Antonio is a Washington DC native and has been
singing ever since he learned how to speak. He would
hear singing and instantly attempt to match the notes
he heard. At the age of 9 he joined “Hip Hop Nation,”
which was the youth choir at the church he attended,
Union Temple Baptist Church. Hip Hop Nation was a
nurturing experience where he learned choir basics
and even lead his first solo “Man in the Mirror.” In
2011, Antonio joined the Washington Youth Choir
where, over the years, he has grown tremendously as
a singer and artist. This choir has afforded him the
opportunity to sing for very rewarding events such as
the annual Christmas in Washington recording and
a number of corporate events and private parties.
Antonio, along with the guidance of his Director has
accepted the request to be the first Student Conductor
of the Washington Youth Choir. In 2015, Antonio was
scouted and invited to South America to sing with The
101 Legacy Voice Choir which consisted of three
HBCU choirs. During his time in South America,
Antonio was in strenuous rehearsals daily with nightly
performances. His week-long choir tour ended with
a grand performance with the South American
Symphony Orchestra.
NOAH CAMPBELL
Noah is a senior at Appomattox Regional Governor’s
School. He has been playing music since he was nine
years old. He is also interested in political science.
Music will always stay with him, but he hopes to pur-
sue a career in politics, hopefully securing a public
office, maybe one day President. While he has not
committed to any school, he hopes to attend a college
in the DC area.
TREQUAN MANNING
Trequan is an 18-year-old senior at Green Run High
School, where he is in the top 10% of his graduating
class, a member of the National Honor Society, and
holds the office of Senior class President. Trequan is
also a member of the Show Choir, Madrigal
Ensemble, SCA, and Thespian Troupe. Trequan’s
musical abilities have always been present, for singing
runs in the family. He has become more focused on
showcasing/working on his vocals through multiple
talent shows, community performances, and school
musicals. Trequan’s talent has allowed him to perform
on many stages including those for the state senator
and the directors of the NAACP/ACT-SO national
competitions. However Trequan’s plans are to attend
Hampton University where he will study in the field of
psychology.
SAMANTHA MCCARTY
Throughout my time in high school, I have earned
many prestigious opportunities and have had many
unique experiences. Two of my passions include the
health sciences and the performing arts. As a result,
I am currently enrolled in two rigorous programs,
spanning two different cities, the Bayside High School
Health Sciences Academy in Virginia Beach and the
Governor’s Magnet School for the Arts in Norfolk.
I have had a far from average high school experience
compared to the majority of students, with an average
school day of ten hours and an extra two added on
for transportation. By attending these two rigorous,
high school programs, I learned the valuable skills of
time management, organization, and study skills.
Moreover, I had fun learning about my two passions,
medicine and vocal music. I believe that this solid
foundation has paved a successful path for future
academics and my life’s work.
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STEPHEN B. MOORE, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, is a 2013 graduate of Howard University (B.M. in Music History, Piano Performance concentration). While at Howard, he worked extensively within the Music and Theater Departments, which included serving as the accompanist for the University Choir as well as the Musical Director for a number of the Theater depart-ment productions. He also is a member of the award winning, Stellar Award nominated Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University. With them, he's been featured in venues such as The Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Theatre; he also has traveled nationally and internationally to such countries as Montenegro, Croatia, Macedonia, and Peru. He's currently employed as the lead piano instructor for CTM Studios, LLC in Alexandria, VA as well as the Minister of Music at Miles Memorial CME Church in Washington, DC.
DIANA WITCHER-PRENTISS (TABULATOR) is a native of Roanoke, Virginia and currently resides in Richmond, VA. She received her Bachelors Degree from Norfolk State University, Special education endorsement from Virginia Union, and ESOL endorsement and Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision from VCU. She is currently a special education teacher in Richmond Public Schools. Diana is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
3rd District Talent Hunt Judges
KELVIN W. WASHINGTON is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana where at Southern University he earned the Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Instrumental Music Education. He began his teaching career at Livonia High School in Louisiana and 1987 moved to Detroit, Michigan where he was appointed Director of Bands at Nolan Middle School and McKenzie High School. Before coming to Howard University, he held collegiate appointments as Chief Arranger and Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; and Director of Bands at Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He is currently the Conductor of the Howard University Concert Band and Associate Director of the Howard University Show Time Marching Band. Mr. Washington maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, adjudicator, arranger, conductor, and touring musician. In his role as a touring musician, he has engaged in performances across the United States; in Canada; Poland; England; and Scotland.
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William Carlos Noel, II
Pianist
Pi Lambda Lambda
Osbourn Park High School
Sterling Elliott
Cellist
Zeta Omicron, Kappa Iota Iota,
Alpha Alpha
Menchville High School
Kobie Turner
Vocalist
Psi Nu
Centreville High School
Philip Lambert
Pianist
Tau Rho
Stafford High School
Antonio Hammett
Vocalist
Alpha, Alpha Omega, Delta Theta,
Omicron Gamma, Kappa Psi
Eastern Senior High School
Mara Suggs
Vocalist
Zeta Mu Mu, Alpha Delta
Sigma
Bethel High School
The 84th Annual Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Third District Talent Hunt Contestants
Samantha C. McCarty
Classical Vocalist
Lambda Omega
Bayside High School
Nadiya Carcana
Vocalist
Lambda Nu
Deep Creek High School
Governors School for the Arts
Noah Campbell
Instrumentalist
Phi Phi, Upsilon Nu, Phi Delta,
Zeta
Appomattox Regional
Governor’s School
Trequan Manning
Vocalist
Gamma Xi, Tau Lambda
Green Run High School
Jessica Howard
Vocalist
Sigma Mu Mu
Rock Ridge High School
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Ricky Goodwyn, Jr.
Classical Vocalist
Zeta Iota
Windsor High School
Brian Chevres
Dancer
Psi Alpha Alpha, Eta Delta Delta
Westfield High School
The 84th Annual Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Third District Talent Hunt Contestants
Sterling M. Hall
Pianist
Gamma Alpha
Salem High School
Triniti Cunningham
Vocalist
Delta Omega, Nu Psi,
Omicron Omega
Appomattox Regional
Governor’s School