BY SAMI SCHERRER
Staff Writer

The lights went down, the spotlight turned on, and freshman Alana Martucci ascended the auditorium’s stage with a Hula Hoop in tow. Then, John Newman’s “Love Me Again” began playing and Martucci launched into a dance routine where she amazed the audience with her ability to throw, spin, and dance with the Hula Hoop.

The Highlander girls lacrosse team sponsored its fifth annual talent show on Feb. 5 in the auditorium and 22 student acts showcased talents that included everything from singing to stand-up comedy and from dancing to Eminem’s “Monster” to playing Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” on the guitar.

Martucci’s Hula Hoop routine tied with seniors Israel Bonilla and Zack Bernarding’s rap for first place, with Shaquea Hatch’s comedy routine taking second.

“I wanted to get used to being in front of people and prove to myself that I could do it,” Martucci said.

Martucci’s Hula Hoop talent is self-taught, and she has only been doing it for six months, which makes her accomplishment that much more impressive.

“I feel honored to share the title for first,” Martucci said

Bonilla and Bernarding preformed an original rap, titled “Seat 24” to a cheering audience.

“Izzie asked me if I wanted to do it with him and I said sure. I thought it would be a great way to showcase what we’ve got,” Bernarding said.

The rap included a tribute to late wrestling coach and gym teacher George McCormack.

“I was thinking about someone who inspired me throughout my life, and Mr. McCormack was the first person who came to mind,” Bernarding said.

Bonilla has been rapping since eighth grade and Bernarding said that he occasionally writes verses. “But I’m not a rapper,” Bernarding said.

Freshman Hannah Shore sang the song “I Miss the Misery” by Haelstrom at the show. Shore says that she originally learned the song to audition for a band, so she was well prepared when she heard there was a talent show.

“I didn’t do the talent show to win. I did it for fun,” Shore said.

Proceeds from the event support the girls lacrosse team and a portion of the funds will be put towards a charitable donation by the team.