Rising stars shine at Family Talent Show Published Sept. 25, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Christopher Marasky 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Youths from Kadena Air Base and the surrounding area gathered at the Schilling Community Center Sept. 20 to put their talents on display at the Kadena Family and Teen Talent Show. In all, 26 performers from elementary school up to high school age competed, showing off their singing and dancing skills to more than one hundred people in attendance. The winner for best overall performance of the night was Kassie Montero, a 10-year-old dependent of a U.S. Navy Sailor, who sang the song "With you" by Jessica Simpson. However, according to Daniel Aflleje Schilling Community Center assistant director, everyone walked away from the event a winner. "One thing nice about this event is that ... everyone left with some sort of award," he said. "And I think it's important for this type of event because you're recognizing the work they put in to prepare for this show." Additionally, all the participants gained experience and confidence, said Scott McGlynn, a teacher of instrumental music and one of the judges for the competition. "I was impressed with the maturity that some of the kids had, as well as how brave the kids were with going up and performing in front of an audience," he said. "I think these events are really important, because typically in music classrooms and school programs, they're part of a large group, and there's safety in numbers. This gives them an opportunity to perform on their own, which is a different skill set." With the success of this show, the Schilling is planning to hold another talent competition in November, said Mr. Affleje. "Just come out and enjoy being with other people and sharing your talent; we'd love to see people come out and enjoy this."