After an amazing display of talent, winners in The 10th Annual Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition, presented by Kane’s Furniture and Crown Automotive Group, were announced in front of an estimated 1,200 member audience at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Monday, May 20th.
Approximately $66,500 in scholarships was given.

In addition, the event was highly attended by alumni of the competition, including inaugural vocal winner, Dr. Jennifer Rodney. Dr. Rodney addressed the students regarding her experience as a Walker finalist and performed for the audience. She has been recently accepted to the University of Oklahoma’s Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery residency program.

It was a tough competition and each of the students shined in their respective categories.
The Pinellas Education Foundation was proud to award each of the finalists a scholarship toward college or technical school.

First place winners each received a $5,000 scholarship. They were:
Dance: Marquis Floyd – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
Drama: Dylan Barlowe – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
Instrumental: Kaitlyn Resler – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
Video Arts: Alexandra Chandler – Junior at Clearwater High School
Visual Art: Shannon Michaud – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
Vocal Music: Amanda Springer – Senior at Palm Harbor University High School

Back by popular demand was the “Audience Favorite,” where those in the audience could text in their favorite performance of the night courtesy of Verizon Wireless. The winner was Sarah Ginnetti (Dance). Sarah received a Verizon Galaxy Nexxus phone and an additional $500 scholarship.

Dance:
2nd place and a $3,000 scholarship: Tristen Braboy – Junior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
3rd place and a $2,000 scholarship: Sarah Ginnetti – Senior at East Lake High School
4th place and a $1,000 scholarship: Jalen Williams – Junior at PCCA at Gibbs High School

The dance “Fan Favorite” was Sarah Ginnetti.

Drama:
2nd place and a $3,000 scholarship: Dacey McNally – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
3rd place and a $2,000 scholarship: Andre Smith – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
4th place and a $1,000 scholarship: Heather O’Leary – Junior at PCCA at Gibbs High School

The drama “Fan Favorite” was Dacey McNally.

Instrumental:
2nd place and a $3,000 scholarship: Justin Ma – Junior at Palm Harbor University High School
3rd place and a $2,000 scholarship: Andrea Tafelski – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
4th place and a $1,000 scholarship: Lamont Kaiser – Senior at Tarpon Springs High School

The instrumental “Fan Favorite” was Justin Ma.

Video Arts:
2nd place and a $3,000 scholarship: Samantha Irvine – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
2nd place and a $3,000 scholarship: Will Linton – Junior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
3rd place and a $2,000 scholarship: Caleb Cruz – Senior at Dixie Hollins High School
4th place and a $1,000 scholarship: Justin Reyes – Junior at Clearwater High School

The video arts “Fan Favorite” was Caleb Cruz.

Visual Art:
2nd place and a $3,000 scholarship: Quinton Merada – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
3rd place and a $2,000 scholarship: Joy Garrett-Douglas – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
4th place and a $1,000 scholarship: Ayanna Steele – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School

The visual art “Fan Favorite” winner was Joy Garrett-Douglas.

Vocal:
2nd place and a $3,000 scholarship: Kerry Caraballo – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
3rd place and a $2,000 scholarship: Katie Eichler – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School
4th place and a $1,000 scholarship: Maiya Stevenson – Senior at PCCA at Gibbs High School

The vocal “Fan Favorite” was Amanda Springer.

More than 200 juniors and seniors from Pinellas County’s Public Schools applied to compete in the seven-month process of auditions and adjudication.

Funding to launch the program was provided in 2003, by neurosurgeon and Pinellas Education Foundation board member, Dr. Jeffrey Walker.  Corporate and community sponsors and art patrons join Dr. Walker in funding the expansion of the competition each year.

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