For one glorious evening, music and economics combined for a magical experience. On November 14, 2009, Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches hosted its annual Watch a Rising Star at the Borland Center. The five finalists competed for $5,000 in college scholarships. In addition to raising funds to support Junior Achievement programs, the evening also honored local businessman, Greg Rice. After each of the five finalists performed two songs each, a distinguished panel of judges, combined with the audience awarded the following prizes:
1st Place: Kelley McGillicuddy (The King’s Academy)
2nd Place: Erin Thomas (Dreyfoos School of the Arts)
3rd Place: Patrick Morley (St. Andrews School)
Runner Up: Felipe Alou (Cardinal Newman High School)
Runner Up: Eva May (Palm Beach Central High School)
Just prior to the announcement of the winners, Mr. David Nicholson from The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation added an additional $5,000 to the scholarship pool, bringing the total amount awarded to $10,000!
The evening also recognized Mr. Greg Rice, whose contributions to the local business community are legendary. A formal real estate agent, entrepreneur and now marketing executive for Hulett Pest Control, Mr. Rice and his late twin brother John created and starred in some of television’s most memorable commercials. In his comments to the audience, Mr. Rice gave his formula for success: “Find out what you are good at, get better at it than anyone else…THEN figure out how to get paid for doing it.”
Event Co-Chairs, Mr. Ken Cunningham and Jill Tiburzio and their entire committee created and arranged a spectacular evening which celebrated the talents of the young people of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Kathi Kretzer, and the staff of Kretzer’s Pianos, once again produced the event, bringing their musical expertise.
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| Listed Left to Right: Felipe Alou, Erin Thomas, Eva May, Kathi Kretzer, Kelley McGillicuddy, and Patrick Morley |