Athens has got talent and Saturday night proved it, as Women To The World hosted its third annual talent competition in Mel Auditorium at . The competition was a benefit to help sustain the PALS project, an effective program for adult literacy, GED examinations, personal mentoring, life survival skills, character development and computer literacy. This program is free to Athens women and many of its enrollees are single mothers and heads of households. Sustainable employment is its primary goal.
WTW is an Athens-based organization started over 28 years ago by founder Doris Aldrich. It has continued to provide support and education for women in need, all over the world, reaching into Turkey, Africa and even into Afghanistan.
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“This work is dangerous; many times we are accompanied by American soldiers as we deliver supplies into some of the more volatile areas. The rewards of this work far outreach the dangers involved,” Doris said.
Twenty-one performers gave it their all last night, but there could only be three winners.
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Jalen Esquivias was second runner up; performing a dance he choreographed himself.
Sean Van Meter was first runner up, performing Minute Waltz. He also placed in last year’s competition.
Buttermilk Revival, a local bluegrass band, was the first place winner for their rendition of "Workin Man’s Blues." Their lively and comical performance had the auditorium jumping from beginning to end.
Nothing can be taken away from those who did not win. The night was full of singers and dancers who tugged at heart strings and commanded rounds of applause. The contestants represented many age groups, and if last night was any indication, those who did not win will come back and bring joy to Athens’ Got Talent audiences in the coming years.
The competition was tight and the judges must be admired, but not envied, for the responsibility of choosing from such a talented group. Attached are a few pictures and a video of the winners.
