Avon Interact Club’s Bravesman 2.0 show this past weekend not only highlighted the talent, poise and incredible dancing ability of our students, but raised enough money to cover school tuition and fees for two Tanzanian girls for the next year.
Through the non-profit Journeys of Solutions, Avon’s Interact Club sponsors two girls, Maria and Rehema, who live in Tanzania’s Karatu District, in the east African country’s northern Arusha Region.
A year’s worth of school tuition and fees comes to about $2,000 per student, said Ella O., vice president of Avon’s Interact Club.
“In the beginning of the year we were able to raise money to cover the first $2,000 through our ‘Save Around’ coupon books sale and the dessert auction that Interact hosts for Rotarians in February,” Ella said.
The Bravesman 2.0 show ended up raising about $500, said Interact Club President Sydney M., “which means we now have both girls’ tuition covered.”
“I am really happy that Interact has been able to make a difference in the lives of Rehema and Maria,” said Ella. “Having the opportunity to help others is something many overlook and for that reason I am even more grateful that Sydney and I, with the help of Interact Club Advisor Karen Vandebilt and other club members were able to organize this fundraiser.”
Now in its second year, the May 6 Bravesman 2.0 show drew four contestants - senior Michael F. and juniors Lily R., Lexxi S. and Isis S.
Avon Rotary President Steve Csapo and Avon teachers Charlotte Collins, Jeffrey Kennell and Ann Tiede served as judges while Cordula Kennell emceed the event.
Contestants participated in a group dance number, an interview round and then demonstrated a talent of their choice as the panel of judges looked on.
The group dance number featured a mashup of popular dance hits as well as a few freestyle spots choreographed by Sydney while the interview portion of the show saw contestants respond to head-scratchers such as “Who would you call to fix a flat tire - The Ghostbusters, The Walking Dead, or Me?" and "What emoji best represents you?”
For the talent portion of the show, Michael put on an interpretive dance while Lily presented a glow dance in a glow stick-adorned costume. Lexxi played an excerpt from “Carnival of Venice" on their euphonium while Isis sang an original parody song based on her hatred of deer.
Once the judges had totaled their scores from the three rounds, Michael F. stood alone in first place with 69.5 points - one more than Isis, who finished second with 68.5 points.
Michael took home the Bravesman title and $250 for his first place showing while Isis was awarded $100 for taking second and Lily $50 for capturing third.
“I think the show went really well,” said Ella. “Mrs. Kennell nailed it as our emcee and all of the contestants worked so hard. It was great to see all our hard work come together and to be able to raise money for such a great cause.”
Photo courtesy of Olivia N.
Bravesman 2.0 judges from left were Avon Rotary President Steve Csapo and Avon teachers Charlotte Collins, Ann Tiede and Jeffrey Kennell.
Photo courtesy of Olivia N.
Bravesman 2.0 contestants from left Lily R., Isis S., Lexxi S. and Michael F. prepare for the show’s group dance number. Emcee Cordula Kennell is behind the lectern.
Photo courtesy of Olivia N.
Contestant Isis S. competes in the individual talent of the show. Isis sang an original parody song based on her hatred of deer.
Photo courtesy of Olivia N.
Contestant Michael F. presents an interpretative dance in the individual talent portion of the show.
Photo courtesy of Olivia N.
Contestant Isis S. competes in the interview portion of the show.
Photo courtesy of Olivia N.
Contestant Lexxi S. competes in the interview portion of the show.
Photo courtesy of Olivia N.
Last year’s Bravesman 2.0 winner, Gretta P., presents Michael F. as the 2023 winner as his fellow contestants, Emcee Cordula Kennell and Sydney M. and Ella O., Avon Interact Club’s president and vice president, respectively, look on.