27 Photos: Manlapan High School's Got Talent!

Manalapan High School held a Talent Competition on Wednesday, May 4 in the schools auditorium. A total of 32 students hit the stage performing in 25 acts vying for three spots. 

Three prizes of $50 were given to the winners in three categories: performance, singing, and crowd favorite. 

The judges were made up of five students: Gabrielle Cook, Sami Citro, Melissa Silano, Steven Braunstein, and Kevin Kemler. 

Manalapan High School displayed it's musical talent with 21 of the 25 acts playing musical instruments, singing, rapping, or both!

The judges had a hard time deciding on the winners, as the talent was vast, so second and third places were awarded in each category; these placements did not have cash prizes, however.

Vocals

1. Daniel Petruccio

Petrucio played the electric guitar and crooned the lyrics of "I Know it's Over" by The Smiths.

2. Allie Gorenc

Gorenc wowed the audience with her undeniably strong vocals while singing "Never Neverland" from the Disney musical Peter Pan. 

3. Gabby Ramirez

Ramirez impressively belted out the hit song "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine. Ramirez was a definite crowd favorite.

Performance

1. Vinny "Vintage" Guarino

Vintage rapped two of his own singles, "Shut It Down" and "Jet Pack Rap".  He is clearly a lyricist who can deliver. He has performed his own work at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park and at the musical festival Bamboozle this year. 

2. Sara Teplitsky

Teplitsky, who has been playing the piano since the age of four, performed a piece entitled "Malaguena" by Ernest Lecuona. Teplitsky has played at Carnegie Hall three times, and her talent as a pianist is irrefutable.  

3. Alexis Francis

A dancer for 11 years, Francis kicked, leaped, flipped, and danced to the song "Animal" by Ke$ha. 

Crowd Favorite

Chipotle, did an original break dancing routine, which was equally skillful as it was hilarious, to a medley of songs.

Honorable Mention

Mike Lupia and Dana DeCarlo rapping Lil' Wayne's "Look At Me Now". Both unlikely rappers were flawless!

*Editor's Note: not all acts are pictured in the image gallery. Omissions are not an indication of a poor performance, but rather an unacceptable photograph.