Every year, New Hope Academy holds two talent shows, Winterfest and Springfest. On March 15th, 2026, NHA held its most recent showcase. This performance was one of the most diverse shows our school has ever had, with the widest mix of genres and amount of audience interaction. So many people were involved this time around, and it went off without a hitch, song after song, dance after dance.
A fan favorite act included a throwback to our school trip to New York City where we saw The Outsiders. Alex Stankavage (‘30) performed “Run, Run, Brother” from the same musical and had the audience clapping along to the beat. The audience was extremely active in both the matinee and evening performances, cheering after songs and clapping along to rhythms. The support given from not only the audience, but other performers as well, helped those on stage perform to their best ability.
Many audience members, both students and staff, came to both performances. One such person was Caetano Scalon Megale (‘26). When asked for his overall impression and favorite act of the show, he said, “I think everyone did a really wonderful job. I feel like each student brought their own energy to each song. There was a lot to bounce around with. I think this is the most variety I’ve seen at a fest so far. My favorite act was Michael Knorr’s rendition of ‘When I Was Your Man,” originally sung by Bruno Mars.”
Support is a huge factor in our school, and nowhere else does it shine brighter than our performing arts community. The NHA music teachers Anna Matone and Kyle St. Sauveur assisted many of the students by helping them practice singing their songs and playing instrumentals for them. Students are encouraged to back each up other in songs vocally and instrumentally. Margo Kitchin, (‘26) Vanessa Sides, (‘27) and Ness Francis (‘27) played bass guitar on individual songs during Springfest to back up their friends. Hannah Brozoski (‘28) was on drums, and Kevin Reigner (‘29) was on guitar.
A few acts that were well-loved by the audience included “New Perspective,” performed by Reyvan Callahan (‘28), The Blue Crew’s dance routine, and “Chelsea Smile,” performed by Anthony Pivovar (‘28). Teachers were especially impressed by Anthony’s act as it was one of the first acts at NHA to include screamo, a style of singing. One performer, Kamryn Holahan (‘28), said, “Springfest went really well this year! I got to sing the song “Feel” from my favorite game, Lies of P, which is pretty awesome.” She added, “Unfortunately, many people got sick though. Overall, I’d do it again!”
Brianna Perkins (‘28) had a standout vocal performance, feeling proud of her confidence on stage. When asked who her favorite performance of the evening was, she responded “Ashley Wagner (‘28) because she was confident and projected her voice well.” Another fan favorite was Phoebe Blanchard (‘28). She admitted that several people told her after her performance that her song made them cry. She was proud of her singing, considering she had a cold that day. She was especially lifted by the crowd cheering, especially senior Jules Esola, whose “screaming during the long note was very sweet and supportive.”
For one of our last performances, our Director of Activities, Jenna Alvino, organized a small goodbye for our graduating seniors. Certain seniors, including Chase Stoerger (‘26), Kayla Solarski Mitchell (‘26), Ana Torres (‘26), Noa David (‘26), and Samantha Szente (‘26) sang “A Soft Place to Land” from the musical Waitress. Jenna chose this song to convey the changes coming in these seniors’ lives, and the hope that will arrive along with it. The seniors sang in harmony, and Jenna shed a few tears over how proud she was of the graduating class.
Not only did we have such an amazing performance, but our school’s founder, Kathy Rosso-Gana was also in attendance to witness it. New Hope Academy is proud to have held this showcase, and has even more pride to have had our founder see it as well, moved to tears at a few of the performances. The R.E.A.L. Deal thanks the Springfest performers and teachers for their time and effort.
samantha.szente@newhopeacademy.net
