Kulawiak and Harris show their talents at Shining Star; Kulawiak wins competition

Singing can provide people many opportunities like shows such as The Voice, America’s Got Talent, and many more. Well, two AHS students have been fortunate enough to participate in a show, not as big as The Voice, but still very special in their hearts. Students, Seniors Hannah Kulawiak, who has won the competition, and Chad Harris are part of a singing competition called the Shining Star Competition.

“Shining Star is a singing competition for high school students in Northeast Ohio. It is both a scholarship competition and a benefit for Montefiore. Montefiore is an assisted living center in Beachwood, and the profits from Shining Star go to help their organization, specifically their memory care,” explains Kulawiak.

The connection of music and memories is the focus. The top 4 performances are given college scholarships ranging from $1,000-$10,000, and the winner in addition to the $10,000 scholarship gets $2,500 for their school’s music program and a chance to perform with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Kulawiak being the winner is lucky enough to have won the entire competition by singing the song “A Journey To The Past” from the movie Anastasia.

“I was shocked honestly shocked. I did not think I would win because there was so many amazing people. I knew everyone I was performing with to being prior friends with them” Kulawiak stated.

Kulawiak and Harris have both been singing and acting since grade school, but one does not just just come across these kind of competitions on a daily basis.

“Last years runner up, Kate Klika, had informed me about the event and her great experience with the program,” explained Harris.

In order to perform in a competition like this, one must have great technique and prior experience. It takes a lot of courage and confidence, which Kulawiak and Harris definitely exhibit by making the most out of their opportunities. The desire to perform and show many people what they have learned and demonstrate their special and unique talents, especially if they have the chance to win money.

“I am always eager for any performance opportunity, and Shining Star is awesome because we get to rehearse and perform downtown at Playhouse Square. The potential to win a scholarship was also a big factor in getting me to audition. College is extremely expensive and the thought of having a slight chance to get some help with that is amazing,” said Kulawiak.

Singing in front of a large group of people comes with a lot of pressure. Precision and perfection is expected every time they perform. It is common to have or develop things like anxiety or stage fright before a performance. Kulawiak and Harris work on their art in order for the audience to not notice.

“As my experience grew, I’ve become more relaxed with the audience. At a young age, I was nervous for sure. The anxiety really just turned into adrenaline as I grew up. A large crowd in front of you gives a rush like no other. Walking out before I actually start to perform is the most nerve racking moment for me personally. But as soon as I start to sing or speak, I immediately get lost in the moment or emotion of the piece” said Harris.

Singing, acting and performing is an activity that many kids from freshman to seniors part take in. There many opportunities from the school to outside organizations, like Shining Star, that can help people’s talents grow and develop into something they never knew could happen. AHS has been fortunate enough to have students like Kulawiak and Harris to show students there are infinite amounts of opportunities to showcase your talents to the world.