[Amanda Morrison]

The IRI Talent Show was a huge success. The judges were as follows:

Paul Copioli, from FANUC Robotics and winner of the Woodie Flowers Award 2005
Tony Norman, founder of Innovation First, Inc. and 1993 Champions
Raul Olivera, from Motorola and winner of the Unsung FIRST Heroes Award and 2003 Champions
Libby Ritchie, from Morristown High School and coordinator of the IRI
Ken Patton, from General Motors and winner of the Woodie Flowers Award 1999 and 2003 Champions
JVN, from Innovation First, Inc. and winner of the Unsung FIRST Heroes Award
Dave Lavery, Program Executive for Solar System Exploration for NASA and Regional WFA winner

The judges were announced, walked out by Collin Fultz' assistants Twinkie and Bambi (Tiffany Gach and Beth Sweet), and the roadies for Dean Simmons and the Kamens played them a welcoming song (Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. It went something like 'John... John John John... John John John... JVN....' but for each mentor).

The acts were as follows, but not in this order:
1. Ethan Hardwick and his banjo
Ethan played a small selection of songs for the show, and received a huge round of applause.

2. The Wildstang Adult Band
Consisting of many mentors from Team 111, they played 'Sell Out' by Reel Big Fish. They rocked the house. The judges deemed this 'MildStang'.

3. Linnea Paton's Song
A song written by Linnea and Jaine Perotti from 716 about FIRST addiction. most memorable was the line "My name is JVN, even though I'm a girl..."

4. Davey Berling on guitar
Davey played a lot of classic rock songs on his guitar. He received a standing ovation for his amazing playing, and was voted winner of the show.

5. Contortionist from Team #16
This student could move his arms and legs all around his body, as well as 'jump rope' with his arms. He really wowed the audience.

6. The Wildstang Student Band
A group of students from Team #111 played Wild Thing for the audience. The judges deemed this 'ChildStang'. Most notable was one person shouting shortly before they began, 'Turn it up, Scheck!' This led to the heckling of Wildstang mentor Dave Scheck throughout the show (he was helping with sound).

7. Campfire songs from Team #378
Students from this team came out to do a round of campfire songs, including the audience favorite 'Gray Squirrel'.

8. Linnea Paton's dancing
Linnea came out for another act, dancing in Irish style to Celtic music. This was another audience favorite.

9. The Pink Nose Whistlers
The Pink Team #233 played the Nose Bagpipes, to the audience's delight. This consisted of about ten people, and was a hit.

10. Kristen Donnell and Dominic Domingo
Kristen and Dominic had both sang the national anthem both days of the IRI. They did a lovely duet for the show, and gave a spine-tingling performance.

11. The Trombonists from Oconomowoc
Both trombonists had performed in last year's talent show, and this year did another outstanding job.


For his amazing act, Davey won a plastic pink flamingo signed by the judges. Shortly thereafter, Collin came and thanked the audience, and yelled for the band, and the stage went dark. The crowd went wild, and Dean Simmons and the Kamens came on for a 14 song set.

I want to thank everyone who made this talent show happen: Collin Fultz (who was amazing!), Chris Fultz, Andy Baker, Libby Ritchie, Jeff Maberto and his crew, Dave Lavery, Tony Norman, JVN, Raul Olivera, Ken Patton, Paul Copioli, all of the acts - especially returning from last year (Linnea Paton, Davey Berling, the trombonists from Oconomowoc, and the adult Wildstang band), Chris Hibner, Ernie Pacsai on sound, Brandon Martus, and of course, Dave Scheck, who got heckled and made fun of the whole show.

Highlights for me:
The curtain being pulled the wrong way
'Scheck, hurry it up!'
'I love you, Lars!'
'Mildstang' and 'Childstang'
Paul Copioli carrying Libby out
'Dave... Dave Dave Dave..." "John... John John John..." "Raul... ul ul ul..."

I couldn't have asked for a better show. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible.