Megan Saslow wins top vocal honors – again – in “Future Stars” competition

By: Dale King and Julia Hebert

BOCA RATON – It was like déjà vu all over again at this past Saturday’s ninth annual “Future Stars” competition held at the Wold Performing Arts Center.

Megan Saslow who took first place in the middle school vocalist category last year, won high school vocalist prize this past weekend.

Saslow was one of 15 singers vying for the top spot among 31 acts, including middle school vocalist and dance group and soloist.

Rotary President Douglas Mummaw the show was “created, director and managed by Rotarian volunteers.  This group of remarkably talented Rotarians, elite business professionals during the day, passionately strives to create a ‘Rotary Moment’ for the young artists and their families in the audience.”  He said the Future Stars Committee worked six months to create the show.

To win first prize, Saslow sang, “Art is calling for me.”  Second place in the high school category went to Georgia Sackler who sang “Quando Me’n Vo.” Third place winner was Madison Langley who sang “Arms,” accompanying herself on the guitar.

In the dance category, Carley Wright took first place, dancing to the Beatles’s song, Eleanor Rigby.  Taking second place honors was Litel Gelman, dancing to “Scared of Lonely.”  Third place winner was Connor Yockus, who danced to the song, “Prestige.”

Among other honors the Director’s Choice Award went to high school vocalist Maggie Wilkinson, who sang “This Place is Mind.”  Group Dance accolades went to Real Dance, performing to the song, “Swingin’ Shepherd Blues.”

Winners in the middle school vocal category were: Austin Gladstone, first place, with the song, “Bring Him Home”; Lizzie Sider, who sang “Seeing is believing” and accompanied herself on the guitar, second place, and Nick Aquillino, who sang “Keep Your Head Up.”

Nashville singer-songwriter Patrick Thomas of “The Voice” performed three songs and was also one of the judges.  Also on the judges’ panel this year were vocalist Kathleen Bell; dancer and choreographer Carlos De Barros; Oscar Diaz Jr., director of the Performer’s Music Institute; writer and actress Sharon Holt and opera singer Marilyn Mims.

Proceeds from this year’s show will benefit The Rotary Club of Boca Raton’s Changing Lives & Building Futures Scholarship Programs.

Credit: Photos by Michael Gora