SIU students, staff dazzle at talent show
An appreciative audience of family, friends and faculty witnessed something undeniable at Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield on April 10: SIU’s got talent!
Students, residents and staff performed at the SIUSOM Talent Showcase, displaying different skillsets than in their 9-to-5 roles. Participants impressed with instrumental music, song and dance.
The medical school’s Performing Arts Interest Group organized the exhibition as part of its mission to bring music and the arts to local communities through volunteer work and performance. Its members also comprise the a cappella group The Vocal Chords, which performed at the beginning and close of the evening.
In her introductory remarks, Maddie Stacey, MS3, said, “Our main goal is for you to see how much talent we have right here in our very own community.”
The performers were:
- Malik Siddique
- Shauna Bishop
- Judy Bright
- Shravani Javadekar
- Kevin Le Mentec
- Wei Du & friends
- Savannah Brannan
- The Vocal Chords (Abigail Buckholz, Lydia Fulton, James Hillard, Carmensa Remolina, Jessica Sheelam & Maddie Stacey)
At the conclusion of the evening, audience members were able to donate to their favorite acts, using jars at the front of the room. The amounts were tallied to decide the People’s Choice Award. An overall winner was also selected based upon the act’s preparation, delivery, stage presence and creativity.
The People’s Choice Award was presented to Kevin Le Mentec, MS4, who played an improvised piano piece on the church’s Steinway.
Shravani Javadekar, MD, was named the Talent Showcase Winner, for her dance performance. She was awarded $50 and a trophy.
The event raised $464 to support the Child Life Specialist at HSHS St. John's Department of Pediatrics, assisting families during difficult times through music, art and play.
View the evening’s wonderful variety of performances on SIU Medicine’s YouTube Channel.
