Nov 8, 2009 By Tara Rack-Amber for The 2 min read

On Oct. 10, the curtain rose and the spotlight shone on 16 talented individuals as they took the stage at the State Theatre Center for the Arts for the first annual Uniontown’s Got Talent. As contestants performed their talent, a sizable audience cheered them on. “We had 450 people there (in the audience),” said Dr. Barbara Wright, the executive director of the East End United Community Center.

Not only did the audience provide encouragement to the performers, they also provided support to the community center. “In total, we raised $8,000,” said Wright.

The $8,000 covered the cost of the event and will help with programs such as an after school program, a grieving program and an adolescent program at the center.

“People think the center is just for African Americans who are in the east end of town,” said Wright. “But, it (the center) is really for everyone.”

Unlike many of the popular talent shows on television, the audience did not choose the winner of the competition. The performers were judged by a panel that has experience in the entertainment field.

The judges were Geraldine Jones, former Miss Pennsylvania and current provost at California University of Pennsylvania; Terry Cellurale, owner of Bangz Modern Hair in Uniontown and a winner of “Dance Fever”; Mark “Kingfish” Wasler from Kingfish Worldwide Inc.; Jerry Burden, a talent judge from New York City; and Wright.

After watching all the performers, the judges chose three finalists to award first, second and third place.

Third-place winner was 15-year-old singer, Macey Demniak from Smithfield, who won a cash prize of $100.

The Dance Zone Dancers from Connellsville took home second prize and $300 for their dance performance.

The award for first-place, along with $500, went to 20 year-old Allison Yeagley of Connellsville.

“I was really surprised and excited,” said Yeagley. “I wasn’t expecting to win.”

Yeagley, who has been involved with singing and has been participating in choirs her entire life, chose the song “Reflection” from the Walt Disney animated feature “Mulan.” “It was a good song, and I think it shows off my voice as well,” said Yeagley on why she chose the song.

Yeagley had some words of advice for any performer seeking to participate in next year’s talent competition that will be held September 2010. “Follow your passion and follow where your heart goes,” she offered.

For more information about Uniontown’s Got Talent or the East End United Community Center, call 724-437-1660.