The 2012 E-Factor Talent Show, held on Thursday, May 17, was a huge success. The show, sponsored by the Elite Scholars Academy Poetry and Drama Club and spearheaded by advisor Brenda Mallory, featured the 15 top acts selected from a field of 30 that auditioned. All of the participants gave stellar performances to a packed house.
The talent show was judged by three music company executives; Courtney "Court Luv" Stewart, owner of RIGHT HAND MANagement/Blu Kolla Dreams, Jennifer Drake, Director of Membership/Rhythm & Soul for ASCAP, and Sundiata Rush, freelance marketing consultant and actor. All three judges praised and encouraged each performer.
Sharing third place honors and earning a cash prize of $100 each were 10th grader Juanita Fludd and 6th grader Shianne Jones. Second place and a prize of $200 went to 8th grader Sarah Avery. First place and a prize of $300 went to brothers Nashbi and Ammishaddai Grand Jean (8th and 9th grader respectively), who sang an original song that they co-wrote. This is the second consecutive year that the Grand Jeans have earned top honors in the talent show.