Junior Achievement Honors Kretzer Piano Music Foundation Tonight

Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast, which empowers young people to own their economic success and reaches over 18,000 students in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Hendry Counties, today announced that it will be honoring the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation at the upcoming Junior Achievement's WATCH A RISING STAR Vocal Competition. The family friendly event will be held at the Cohen Pavilion of the Kravis Center tonight, February 21, at 6:30 pm.

"We are honoring the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation because it exemplifies the Three Pillars of Junior Achievement: Financial Responsibility, Workforce Readiness and Entrepreneurship," says Claudia Kirk Barto, President of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast. "The non-profit organization raises awareness of the importance of music as a part of every child's life and complete education. They strive to make music education available to children who come from families of limited means and provide performance opportunities for young musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds."

Founded by Kathi Kretzer Sayler, one of the originators of Junior Achievement's WATCH A RISING STAR Vocal Competition, the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation also sponsors the Kretzer Kids, a group of talented music students who take turns entertaining on weekends at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
"Junior Achievement's WATCH A RISING STAR Vocal Competition is the perfect event to honor the outstanding work of the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation," says Ms. Barto.

On February 21, Junior Achievement's WATCH A RISING STAR Vocal Competition will spotlight five musical finalists: Sydney Carbo of Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, Christina Layton of The King's Academy, Katie Rodgers of The Pine School and Virginia Mims and Drew Tanabe, both from Dreyfoos School of the Arts. For the first time, all five finalists are Junior Achievement alumni.

Last fall, high school seniors from Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Hendry Counties were nominated to compete for a spot as a finalist in Junior Achievement's WATCH A RISING STAR Vocal Competition. Over 40 students were nominated to compete, but after a vigorous audition process, the pool of talent was narrowed to the final five.

In the months leading up to the competition on February 21, the finalists will receive vocal and performance coaching from veteran Broadway performers, Jackie Bayne Gillman and Jason Gillman, and will have several opportunities to showcase their talent by performing at various venues throughout the community.
After months of coaching and practicing, the finalists will perform at the Kravis Center on February 21 for a crowd of over 400 guests. Competing for up to $11,000 in scholarship money, the winners will be selected that evening by the audience and esteemed judges, including jazz singer Donna Singer, Broadway actress Jodie Langel and Nashville recording star Monique McCall.

Junior Achievement's WATCH A RISING STAR Vocal Competition also will include a silent auction, live auction, plated dinner, and a concert showcasing these talented young vocalists. Held in the Kravis Center's Cohen Pavilion, the menu will be provided by Catering By The Breakers at the Kravis Center.

Tickets for Junior Achievement's WATCH A RISING STAR Vocal Competition are $200 and Table Sponsorships are available. For more information, please visit www.juniorachievement.com or call 561.242.9468.

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