Fockler takes top spot in First Town Days talent show
Belle Fockler,17, took first place in the 14 and over category Sunday afternoon at the First Town Days Festival's Talent Show. Fockler sang "Don't Rain on My Parade," from the musical Funny Girl. She will be a senior at Dover High School this year
"I just got back from a theater camp at Baldwin Wallace," she explained. "I want to attend Baldwin Wallace and take musical theater after graduation."
Second place was Chloe Martin,19, of Tuscarawas. Martin will be a sophomore at West Virginia University where she is studying the music industry.
"I love what happens behind the scenes and hope to someday produce my own music and that of others." she said. Martin sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," from the "Wizard of Oz."
Sami Krocker, 20, of Goshen, sang "In My Own Little Corner," from Cinderella, to take third place.
"I've always loved that song and it seems to fit my voice," she said. Krocker will be a senior this year at Malone University where she is studying to be a teacher in Integrated Social Studies and History, for grades 7-12. She will be completing her field experience and student teaching at Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools this year as well.
Lucy Posey,11, of New Philadelphia, took first place in the 13 and under group with her drum solo to "Heaven Is A Place on Earth," by Belinda Carlisle. Posey played the customized drum set that was given to her by two uncles.
"I've had them for three years and I've signed up for percussion this coming year," she explained. Posey is going into the sixth grade for the Quakers. She also enjoys dancing, especially hip hop and jazz.
Second place was Lydia Gustkey,10, of Dover, who sang "The Star Spangled Banner," a cappella. The crowd stood as she sang, some with their hands over their hearts. Cheyenne and Betty Millard, 12 and 10 years old respectively, collaborated on their entertainment. Cheyenne sang "How Far I'll Go," from Moana, while Betty performed an interpretive dance.
All finishers received a trophy with first place worth $75, second place $50 and third place $25. The competition in both categories was fierce, much to the delight of judges who bopped and clapped throughout each performance. Emcee Marc Davis, of New Philadelphia, kept the show moving with praise and encouragement to all contestants. He also took time to apologize to the judges.
"I have to apologize to my judges," said Davis, during a break in the talent. "I didn't know I was giving them the hardest job in the world." The audience clapped in agreement.
Judges for the day were Jaime Cole-Mansfield, a professional vocalist, who now resides in New Philadelphia. She has toured many years as a front vocalist in lounge and dancing bands and has sung back-up for Ronnie McDowell. She has written and recorded Contemporary Christian Originals and is looking to start a new music venture in Tuscarawas County; Lacey Herbert-Stephen is the owner of Lacey Performing Arts Center, which is located downtown. She has been teaching all styles of dance for over 15 years. Lacey is also the CEO of Lacey PAC Adaptive Movement Center, which is a non-profit, extra curricular facility, for adults and children with disabilities. She is married to Joshua Stephen and they have four children; Cheryl Graham, has been a music teacher for 52 years, 47 of those at New Philadelphia, She is a member of the First Town Days Committee and is in charge of scholarships. She is also an Ohio Music Association Adjudicator. Cole-Mansfield entertained the large crowd with the song "Love Will Keep Us Together," by the Captain and Tennille, while scores were being tabulated in the Festival office.
"It was an amazingly talented group," said Davis, after the contest. "I appreciate all of their hard work and dedication to their craft. They were all very well prepared and performed well."
The talent show was sponsored by Dover Hydraulics.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Fockler takes top spot in First Town Days talent show
