CSI’s Got Talent Dazzles For Fifth Year

The fifth annual CSI’s Got Talent competition featured a rich variety of student performers who dazzled a packed house in the College of Staten Island’s Center for the Arts on April 14.

More than 60 students auditioned with 12 finalists going head-to-head for the cash prizes: $2,250 for first place, $750 for second place, and $250 for third place. Emceed by Sal Vulcano from TruTV’s Impractical Jokers and Jay Miller from Midevenings with Jay Miller, the contest was hosted by The Division of Student and Enrollment Services/Office of Student Life, along with WSIA, Student Government, and the Campus Activities Board.

1st Place: Serena Medina

Medina grew up in Williamsburg and then moved to Staten Island. She lived in Manhattan while attending The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and was in CSI’s Gospel choir. When Medina is not studying, she is singing and playing the piano. Her inspirations include Billie Holiday, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, and Nina Simone.

2nd Place: Chanté E. Wright

Wright began writing poetry as young as age 11 and abandoned it in pursuit of music. She was led back to the light of writing through her perseverance and her greatest inspiration is poet Mirtha Michelle. Her fluidity inspired Wright to express herself freely on paper. Wright is a lover of all fine arts who enjoys writing on her rooftop, painting in her art studio, or performing at acting auditions.

 

3rd Place: Cynthia Martin

Martin is a first-year student and Nursing major at CSI. Since the age of ten, she has had a passion for singing. Her inspiration is derived from her favorite artists and her family, all musical performers as well.

“CSI’s Got Talent” is an opportunity for performers to showcase their abilities. I was impressed by the depth of talent among our student body, from the dancers to the singers to the spoken-word artist. I was enthralled by the production!” exclaimed Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services Jennifer Borrero.