Isabel O’Brien
EE Staff Writer ‘24
Trumbull High’s Robert E. McCarthy Auditorium saw its first-ever talent show a couple of weeks ago on Thursday, April 4th, and it was a hit! Initiated and led by Mr. Doyle, Mrs. Brienza, and Trumbull High’s Peer Leaders Club, the show consisted of twelve diverse and impressive acts.
Performances were by students of all grades – freshmen through seniors – and included singers, instrumentalists, a magician, and even a pair of roboticists. These talented students included: Jackson Gilman (12), Lucien Piazza (12), Lucca Rodriguez (10), Jaymes Perez (10), Carys Anku (12), Bryant Yu (9), Sean Choi (11), Maggie Wade (12), Nola Sommerville (12), Katelyn Nemergut (11), Emma Brodie (11), Anne King (9), Natalia Covina (9), Erin Marchetti (9), Jacob Chaffee (12), Caden Chaffee (10), Michael Yagop (9), Nate Diaz (9), Luke Piatowski (9), Gautham Paramasivam (12), Yashas Kulkarni (12), and Lawrence Bartley (11).
It was wonderful to see such a wide variety of students bravely share their talents with the community. Special guests and teachers at THS, Mr. Duda and Mr. LaBarca (performing with seniors Kaia Summ and Aidan Williams), helped to make the show complete. As Mr. Doyle noted, “I also loved how students had the opportunity to get out on stage and celebrate their unique talents. The more we come together like this, the more we will create a sense of family here at THS!”
However, the show needed more than performers to be successful, and it was even more incredible to see so many students and teachers come together to help the performances come to life.
Teachers and THeSpian advisors Mrs. Spillane and Mr. Bracksiek, as well as THeSpians Nick Ivanovich (10) and Alaina Inzero (11), joined the Peer Leaders and helped with the behind-the-scenes aspects of the show, including the lighting and set. The Peer Leaders who weren’t helping backstage were selling tickets, ushering, and judging! The night was enthusiastically hosted by senior co-president Faith Campbell. Last but not least, juniors Brandon Colon and Kauan DeSouza emceed, keeping the show upbeat and exciting.

And of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the winners of the show. Roboticists Gautham and Yashas came in third place, pianist Bryant Yu received second place, and magician Sean Choi, or “Magisean,” was first place.
Best of all: All of the proceeds went towards My Friend Abby, a local foundation seeking to improve the mental and emotional health of young people. “We raised nearly $1,000 for My Friend Abby, and it is wonderful to be able to give back to the community and support the needs of kids,” Mr. Doyle also shared.
Trumbull High students turned a small idea into a big night filled with impressive performances, an enthusiastic audience, and supportive students and staff on all sides. We hope to see this show hit the stage again next year!
Featured photo: 1st Place Winner: Sean “Magisean” Choi. Photo by Ali Hassan
I was in grade 9 not 11.
We apologize for the error, Erin. The article has been updated to reflect that you were in 9th grade at the time.
Thank you