NJN HISPANIC YOUTH SHOWCASE 2002

Winners, Heroes and a Night to Remember

It was Friday night May 24, 2002. The time was 7:00 p.m. The stage was set for the opening number at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Victoria Theater. Backstage, the nervous walks accompanied by the tension filled atmosphere cradle the emotions of children ages 8 to 17. Finally, it was show time.

As the contestants moved gingerly to center stage, their right hands crossed their chest in a respectful and heart warming salute to America. Standing at attention, they waited for the gray curtain to rise. As it rose, guests at the sold out (500 seat) Victoria Theatre burst into a huge applause. 39 children dressed in colorful costumes stood under a large multi-colored cyclorama highlighted by a projection of the American Flag. This was the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase musical tribute to the heroes of September 11th.

A Sixteen-year-old, Fabiana Morales, the 2001 teen vocalist champion, opened the ceremonies with an emotionally charged rendition of the national anthem. Flags from all over Latin America emerged from the hands of the gifted contestants as fifteen year old Nicole Cruz followed with a dramatic interpretation of "God Bless America." The song was accented with an interpretive dance featuring 17 year-old 2001 teen dance champion, Daylingh Herrera. She utilized an umbrella, adorned with the American flag, in a sequence of acrobatic jumps and spins that ended in a gentle embrace of the flag.

A 15-year-old sensational singer, Sky-Lynn Pesante, brought the audience to loud cheers as she sang "Hero" in honor of the fire fighters of 9/11. Sky-Lynn pointed out that the two fire fighters standing on stage holding the flag were her step-father, Domingo and her mother, Gloria, the first Hispanic firefighter in New Jersey. But that's not all. In a special memorial recognition of the soldiers in the armed forces, Captain Mary Ann Faias-Hotaling flew in from Texas to receive the Joseph F. Unanue Award from GOYA Foods' public relations director, Rafael Toro.

Captain Mary Ann Faias-Hotaling, in 1987, became the first winner of the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase. Later on, she won two more times as a vocalist and instrumentalist. In 1989 at the age of 12, she pioneered the tradition of children hosting the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase television special. This idea has helped many past winners understand the world of television and select careers in broadcasting. At the age of 15, Mary Ann became Miss Teen New Jersey.

After graduating from Seton Hall University on a full scholarship, she entered the United States Army and was sent on active duty to the war torn country of Bosnia. It was not long before the gloomy side of the war brought out the entertainer inside Ms Faias-Hotaling, She sang for the soldiers and started a talent show similar to the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase.

As the ceremonies honoring America continued, 13-year old Dana Margaret Ortiz sang the song "America" in honor of two Latino heroes of 9/11. Standing on stage representing his father was 5 year-old Eugene Harry Ramos, Jr., who on the day before September 11th was celebrating his birthday. His mother, Migdalia Cruz-Ramos was not able to attend so the little boy joined by his Godmother, Ida and his aunt, Milagros accepted the award on behalf of Harry Ramos senior. On September 11th , Harry Ramos rescued 15 of his co-workers from the 87th floor of tower one. He was last seen on the 36th floor helping a stranger who was having a heart attack. Congressman Robert Menendez presented the Outstanding Citizen Award to the Ramos Family.

Also receiving an award was the master of ceremonies for the Showcase, William Rodriguez. On that dreadful day, William was the custodian in charge of the stairs at the World Trade Center. He led the first firemen and policemen up the stairs while opening the locked doors for people to escape. He then carried a man in a wheel chair to safety and continued going inside the building to rescue more people trapped in the towering inferno. President Bush and the international community have recognized Mr. Rodriguez as a national hero. He will be featured on the CBS program 60 minutes. The Executive Director of NJN, Elizabeth Christopherson presented William Rodriguez with the Outstanding Citizens award.

Thus, the emotions of the opening ceremonies set the stage for one of the toughest competitions in the history of the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase. Close to 300 participants had started out in the competition that included audition sites in Newark, Camden and Atlantic City. 39 contestants made it to the finals but only 12 would carry away the prestigious scholarship awards named in honor of Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and Beatriz Rodriguez.

Special guests stars at the 2002 NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase included the sensational Afro-Dominican dance troupe from Newark, the Valentin Social and Cultural Club. They were followed by CTO, one of the top vocal groups in Latin American. Turn the Showcase into a real extravaganza as they danced, flipped and turned their way into the hearts of the audience waving their hands in excitement.

Judging the competition were:
• Joe Hernandez, founder of the International Latin Music Hall of Fame
• Maria Torres, International Dance Champion and star on Broadway and Hollywood movies
• Isabel Nazario, Director of the Center for Latino Arts and Culture
• Leslie Ford, founder and president of the NJ Jazz Institute
• Mary Alvarez, concert pianist and director of NJ Jazz Institute
• Juan Calderon, Founder and Choreographer of Dance Explosion
• Captain Mary Ann Faias-Hotaling, special guest.

The following sponsors make the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase 2002 possible:
• The New Jersey State Council on the Arts
• The United Way of Essex and West Hudson
• Public Service Electric & Gas
• PNC Bank
• GOYA Foods, Inc.
• The New Jersey Performing Arts Center
• Six Flags Great Adventure