Students show off their talents Published March 20, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 250 base members' came out to watch 17th Training Group non-prior service students compete during the Student's Got Talent grand finale at the Base Theater here March 11. The 17th Training Wing Chapel Office staff hosted the contest that began with general auditions March 4, narrowing the contestant numbers from 18 to 10 students. During the finale, the remaining 10 were broken down into three rounds. At the conclusion of each round, those contestants came back on stage and the crowd used voting machines to vote for their favorite. Lt. Col. Max Pearson, 316th Training Squadron Commander, emphasized that the night was about seeing the students' talents outside of their jobs. "Tonight, we're here to see some folks who've got a lot more to them than just the technical skill they're trained in," said Pearson. In between the rounds, the night was filled with raffle drawings and special performances by Master Sgt. Lori Mailloux, 17th Training Wing Inspector General superintendent. The talents ranged from comedy to piano playing and while some performed songs from known singers and groups, others sang and played original songs and music. According to Chaplain (Maj.) Jose Munoz, 17th Training Wing, the performers were judged on five elements: talent and competence, stage presence and poise, creativity and originality, overall enjoyment, and audience votes. At the end of the night, Lt. Col. Edward Blitt, 17th TRG Deputy Commander, recognized the top three performers with awards and a TV for first place. "The talent that we have on this stage, and the talent that's in this auditorium is amazing," said Blitt. " ... continue to work on your talents, both those on the stage and those sitting in the audience. If there's something that you desire that you want to do, ... put the effort in on it, you can do whatever you put your mind to." Airman Chancellor Chumley, 315th Training Squadron student, took home third place singing "Sleepy Town," a song he wrote. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Stephen Baxter, Marine Corps Detachment student, took home second place with his performance of "Drifting" by Andy McKee, on the guitar. "I decided to do the competition because I've always loved playing guitar, and any chance that I can get out there and play in public, I try to take advantage of," said Baxter. Marine Corps Pfc. Harrison Soape, Marine Corps Detachment student, took home first place playing a song he wrote on the piano. "It's just exciting for me that people were interested in my playing," said Soape. "Music has always been a passion of mine." According to Munoz, the chapel is looking to host the event every three to four months.
