K-Factor Showcases Variety of Talents
There were many jaw-dropping performances at last Friday night's K-Factor talent show in the Huntington High School auditorium. A crowd numbering in the hundreds turned out to help the Key Club raise funds to benefit this year's Relay For Life.
The evening featured song, dance and comedy routines along with impressive instrumental performances. "I thought it was great," said teacher Gina Colica, who serves as the Key Club's faculty advisor along with colleague Kelly Krycinski.
The evening included two dozen separate acts in all. Huntington drama club advisor Michael Schwendemann served as MC with his usual wit and enthusiasm, introducing acts and pumping up the crowd. The event generated over $3,300 for the Relay For Life/American Cancer Society.
"It was an incredible night where students, teachers and the community came together for a great cause," Mrs. Colica said. "Our club officers did a wonderful job organizing everything. They are a fantastic group. We plan to make this an annual fundraiser."
A panel of judges consisting of teachers Brian Stellato, Veronica Mainville, Brian Stellato, Dianna Molenko and Joseph Cohen sat a table in the orchestra pit and took notes on each act before retiring to an adjoining room to reach agreement on awards for the top two performers.
Excitement mounted when the judges returned to the auditorium following their deliberations. Cheers erupted with it was announced that Kristin Berner had captured first place and Gordon Lamour had earned second place.
The show included an array of talents ranging from a sensational aria by Tom Kouttron and guitar solos by Kyle Hansen and Dylan Delguidice to a breathtaking Irish step dance routine by Conor Byrne and a mind-numbing comedy routine on solving Rubik's Cube by Spencer Young, Alex Castillo, Jake Ryan, Jeremy Gelb, Ryan Newell, Mike Stafford, Nick Sherman and Anthony Puca. The Huntington Highsteppers also performed brilliantly.
Several hundred high school students turned out along with parents, grandparents and other family members. The Key Club pledged the evening's proceeds to Huntington's Relay For Life, which will be held in May to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Sponsors included Sal D's, Neraki, Spice Village, Albert's Mandarin Gourmet, Samurai, Mr. Sausage, Piccolo, Book Revue, Pink Link, Yogurt Crazy, Jonathan's Restaurant, Rosa's Pizzeria, Honu, Ravagh Persian Grill, The Golden Dolphin, Mill Pond, Bon Bon's, Bon Dee's Bistro & Bar, Pirouette Dance, Tres Jolie Salon de Beaute, Life is Good, Lotus Vintage, FAD, My Inheritance, Portofino, Junior's Pizzeria, Francine's Fashion Boutique, Freedman Jewelers, Marsh's Apparel, Vines and Roses, Kidz Hitz Frame, Fox's and Panera Bread.
Ms. Levine heads a Key Club slate of officers that includes Cynthia Gowani (vice president), Mike Stafford (secretary), Beth Coneys (treasurer), Victor Tellez (historian) and Alexandria Mandriota (lieutenant governor).