Andrea Galabinski The “JCE 3” group from North Fort Myers J. Colin English Elementary delighted the crowd with their gymnastics act. Pictured are 8-year-old Shomari Mason, 9-year-old Trenton Minor and 12-year-old David Laboy.

Many young, local performers shined at the annual “Every Child Is a Star Talent Show” produced by Southwest Florida Addiction Services Saturday, Nov. 7.

A number of talented children participated in the event, hailing from North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel, east Fort Myers and Alva.

From North Fort Myers, Amberely Humes sang “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Judy Garland. She is a second grade student at Tropic Isles Elementary.

From J. Colin English Elementary, the three gymnasts known as “The JCE 3” delighted the crowd.

From Cape Coral, another talented three were Ariadna Hernandez, Angela Hernandez and Samantha Carmona as “The Three Petals” – dancing to “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira. Ariadna is a fourth grade student at Gulf Elementary, Angela is also in fourth grade and attends Caloosa Elementary and Carmona is in third grade at Christa McAuliffle.

Andrea Galabinski Talented young North Fort Myers singer Amberely Humes sang, a capella, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Judy Garland at the SWFS talent show. Her proud family gave her flowers after her great performance.

The audience was treated to the magic stylings of Felipe Murillo, also from Cape Coral, who performed card tricks and illusions. He attends Trafalgar Middle School.

Other kids from the Cape included brother and sister duo, Mary Ann and Derek Connolly. Mary Ann, dressed as Minnie Mouse, sang the hit “Hey Mickey,” and Derek rocked the crowd with the My Chemical Romance song “Teenagers.” She attends Patriot Elementary and he attends Challenger Middle School.

Paul Keith from the Cape tap danced to “Can’t Buy Me Love.” He attends Challenger Middle School.

“We are very pleased with the level of talent our community has in its young people and invited the public to come see for themselves,” said Martha del Valle, SWFAS talent show coordinator.

The performances included everything from singing and dancing to a magic act and gymnastics. The show opened with a roller skating demonstration by Jammin’ The Net Skate Team. The theme was a prevention message on the dangers of prescription drugs.

Talented kids from all over the area performed at the “Every Child Is a Star Talent Show.”

“Our goal is to provide teens with a fun, safe venue to express themselves without using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs,” del Valle said.

The event was coordinated through the Prevention Department of the organization, whose staff made sure the event was enjoyable for all.

It was sponsored by the Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation and the H. J. Heinz Company and held at First Christian Church in Fort Myers.

MC Terence Thomas kept the action going, and said, “This just keeps getting bigger and better every year.”

Winners were chosen for three categories. For elementary school it was Callie Atkinson, a 10-year-old a fifth grader from Sanibel School who sang “Popular” from the hit musical “Wicked.” For the middle school category it was Halie Boling from Cypress Lake Middle School who sang “Gift of a Friend” by Demi Lavato. In the high school category the winner was Keana Jordan, Fort Myers High School who sang “Orange Color Skies” by Natalie Cole.

From Cape Coral, another talented three were Ariadna Hernandez, Angela Hernandez, and Samantha Carmona, as “The Three Petals” — dancing to “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira.

Other participants included Cody Vagle, Edison Park Expressive Arts Elementary School; Ravyn Clark, Alva Middle School; Carley Levy, Gateway Charter School; Kiasha Tiara Church, Cypress Lake High School; Melody Cooke, Fort Myers High School; Erin Coyne, Fort Myers High School; Hannah Martin, Cypress Lake High School; and Anthony Minnis Jr., Lorenzo Walker Technical High School.

SWFAS is the most comprehensive substance abuse treatment and prevention program in Southwest Florida, serving 6,000 people per year from ages 9 to 90.

SWFAS offers outpatient and residential programs for both adults and youngsters from five locations in Lee County and two in Hendry County. In addition, SWFAS provides detoxification services for adults, prevention programming, and an Employee Assistance Program for about 60 Southwest Florida businesses.

Fees are charged on a sliding scale, based on family income. In many cases, private insurance is accepted. SWFAS is a United Way agency.

For information on SWFAS, call 332-6937 or visit www.swfas.org.

MC Terrence Hall and coordinator Martha del Valle coordinated the show.