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The "Spotlight on Talent" Competition began 25 years ago, produced
by the new organization Heritage Arts Center Association. It
began under the leadership of Sally Blackwood, with the idea to encourage
the budding talent of young students in the performing arts. The
first several years the contest was held at the fairgrounds during
the county fair, then at the high school gym, and then for many years
at the Pasco Middle School Auditorium. Several years ago it outgrew
this facility and is now held at the first rate Center for the Arts
at Wesley Chapel High School.
The competition is put on by the 15 member Board of Directors
of Heritage Arts, with the help of friends from the community, and
all are volunteers. Corporate sponsors have always allowed
us to generously reward young people for their hard work in developing
their talents. Every year, as word of the excitement and quality
talent spreads, more and more young people participate. We are thrilled
the response to this contest has mushroomed in the last few years,
with several hundred students participating annually. They
come from Pasco Schools as well as Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas,
Polk and Sumter Schools.
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