Idol Stories

The Southeast Philadelphia Collaborative (SEPC) is all about community. The After School Idol Talent Show is a time in which the community comes together to celebrate youth, diversity and spirit. This event reinforces SEPC’s mission which is to coordinate youth and adult partnerships in order to provide and promote youth development and leadership opportunities in Southeast Philadelphia. In the words of Howard Tucker, emcee for the Idol event, “I am pleased that Idol has grown from its modest beginnings into a major event at the Kimmel Center. . .representing a diversity of cultures, unique talents and youthful energy to perform in front of a huge audience!"

The event showcases the talent of youth from SEPC’s nine member agencies with dancers, singers and instrumentalists contributing to its success and excitement. Its purpose in the words of a SEPC program director is, “To provide safe, relevant and rewarding after-school programs that comprehensively support the growth and achievement of children and their families that keep kids safe from the dangerous streets while they are practicing and preparing for the show. ”

Here are some of the Idol event stories from past years:

Hardknockz

A breakdancing crew that practices at the Houston Center Teen Lounge were first year performers at the 2010 After School Idol Talent Show. David Seng, a dancer in the crew, said that his favorite part about performing in the After School Idol Talent Show was the energy from the crowd: “It was fun just going out and performing as one. I really enjoyed all the other performers as well. Everyone was so talented and good at what they do. ”  Josh Santiago, another dancer agreed that the crowd was the best part. “They were so energetic and they pumped us up. The vibes they gave us helped us bring down the house. ”

Brittany Roundtree

A senior at Edward Bok Technical School, member of Sunrise of Philadelphia and a dancer in the After School Idol Talent Show in 2010, Brittany offers her advice: “As a participant and contestant in the After School Idol Talent Show, I can say that it was an enjoyable experience and I like the way I felt afterwards.
I felt love, like we were a family and everyone was a winner. I learned that even though some one didn’t win this time, they should keep trying because eventually,
you will win.”

Angeline Low

Angeline Low, a returning contestant from Pennsylvania Migrant Education, had her stage debut at the 2009 After School Idol Talent Show. She has been an instrumentalist performer both years and says that her favorite parts about being in Idol are getting to dress up and feeling proud on stage. “Being on stage with a spotlight on you, to show off what you got. . .
it feels like you’re a star. ”

Kyra Sacksith

For Kyra Sacksith, being on stage is second nature. She has performed in the After School Idol Talent Show for 4 years. A member of the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia as well as
SEPC’s Youth Leadership Council, Kyra says that
the Idol event gives her a chance to meet new people and become even more active in her community. Kyra’s love for singing started early, when she was only 4 years old and she joined
choir when she was 7. She says that despite all those years under her belt, Idol taught her to get over her stage fright: 
“I learned how to get over my fear of being on stage and I got experience from the years I have performed. It gave me confidence. ”

Fleisher Art Memorial

Fleisher Art Memorial also has a hand in the success of the After School Idol Talent Show. At the 2010 event, youth from the Fleisher Teen Lounge got a chance to display their artwork in the lobby of the Kimmel Center prior to the event. Among the works, the Fleisher teens had displayed a photo project exploring the idea of painting with light, as well as pen and ink still life’s and portraits. The youth made buttons to promote the Fleisher Teen Lounge as well.

Zulmarie Nazario, an audience member of both of the 2009 and 2010 shows, said that her favorite part of the show is watching the dancers perform: “It’s very interesting…different people can do so many things!” Dorthea Sturgell, another youth from the Fleisher Teen Lounge, shared in Zulmarie’s sentiments: “[My favorite part of the show is] just being able to see all the kids of all ages perform…everyone is so talented. ”

The After School Idol Talent Show provides a unique opportunity for the youth to showcase their talents. By giving them the spotlight, the youth inspire others to follow in their footsteps. This helps to reinforce the goal of the Southeast Philadelphia Collaborative by providing innovative experiences that promote their leadership skills and build their self-esteem and confidence.