Jude Magnotti ‘26
EE Editor-In-Chief
For the past three years, School faculty members Mr. Keif Doyle and Ms. Breanne Brienza have attempted to bring a once lost celebration of culture and community back to Trumbull High. A staple of any high school’s calendar, of course, I’m talking about the talent show!
From elementary schools to secondary schools, talent shows are incredibly common for students of all ages. Whether you are a 10 year old performing a skit, or a 18 year old playing the drums, talent shows give everyone a chance to engage in some friendly competition. More importantly than that, it gives students the opportunity to put their variety of talents on display for their friends, family, and peers to see. Not only is it a symbolic representation of the bright future these individuals have ahead of them, but it is a chance to gain confidence performing in front of other people.
What’s unique about our recently created talent show, Trumbull’s Got Talent, is that the money made does not go to the school…nor are the only ones performing students. Instead, all the proceeds from Trumbull High’s talent show goes to the charitable foundations of My Friend Abby and Liv Free. Both are local organizations formed in the aftermath of tragedy dedicated to creating a better, safer world for teenagers and adults alike.
During the most recent Trumbull’s Got Talent, over $1200 was raised for charity marking the accomplishment of an incredible feat of community service by the performers. Touching on the most recent talent show, last Friday’s May 8th performance put on an incredible variety of acts. Hosted by MC’s Naomi Mickens and Katie Chiodo, the display was described by audience member and student Finnegan Thompson as, “One of the greatest performances I’ve seen ever!”.
Ranging from tap dancing displays to heavy metal rock shows, this most recent entry featured frequent collaborations between students and teachers including both Mr. Doyle and Mr. LaBarca hopping on the drums!
While in previous years acts featured more variety beyond music, this year essentially evolved into a battle of the bands with every single act being musical in some way. The crowd itself boasted a wide array of individuals spanning from screaming teenagers there to cheer on their friends and old women who wished the teenagers would let them hear the performance.
When the dust settled, each and every performer got up on stage and in a powerful moment sang Imagine by John Lennon together as the crowd joined in. To further tug on the audience’s heartstrings, Mr. Doyle presented a framed picture to the previous years winner Andrew Resende of his appearance at the talent show to which he became emotional.
When students came back to school Monday, the winner was officially announced much to the anticipation of its performers. Carley Mofenson and her band featuring Mr. Doyle on drums and Mr. Russo on guitar were announced as having received the most first place votes taking home the prize for their rendition of Hotel California. They were followed in second place by Jared Tibbals, Brennan Scally, and yours truly for our interpretation of Times Like These by the Foo Fighters.
Winners aside, the talent show was everything the performers hoped it would be and more. It was an incredible collaboration between teachers and students and a display of the talent and pride Trumbull has to offer.
Mr. Doyle described the experience as, “something we will never forget, and you should be extremely proud of what you’ve accomplished”.
Congrats to all the winners, and massive thank you to everyone who came out to see the show. With growing support and consistent emotional performances like this, there is no doubt that the show will only continue to be a staple of THS for years to come. Whether it’s in music, acting, magic shows, or more, only one thing is absolutely certain: Trumbull’s Got Talent!