NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase 2004
On NJN Public Television
Saturday, July 31, at 6 pm; rebroadcast Sunday, August 1, at noon

STATEWIDE – NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase 2004 is a family-oriented television special that highlights the success stories of an array of young talent. Watch these artists in music, song and dance on Saturday, July 31, at 6 pm with an encore performance on Sunday, August 1, at noon . The winners of the competition highlighted in this broadcast are Kid Dancers (4 to 7 years): Xadier Pesante, Ashley Rodriguez and Alejandra Urgiles; Juniors (8 to 12 years): Omarys Casado, Natali Cruz, Clarimar Pesante, Dana Ramirez, Denise Ramirez, Blaine Morris and Daniel Murillo Sanz; Teens (13 to 17 years): Amanda Marie Batista-Ruiz, Sasha Herrera, Bryan Pasion, David Rivera, Christian Veliz, Nicole Ortiz and Allison Trujillo Strong.

“The NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase is the longest-running Latino children’s program on PBS,” states Elizabeth Christopherson , executive director of NJN Public Television and Radio. “The Showcase recognizes the wonderful talent and energy and hard work in our children, talent that might go unrecognized if not for the Showcase. NJN is dedicated to encouraging the positive and the best in our youth, helping to build a better future for all of us and providing role models for New Jersey ’s children.”

The Showcase has received an Emmy Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Past and present participants have appeared in Hollywood movies, Broadway, Star Search, the Apollo, “Sabado Gigante,” and international commercials. The television broadcast, as well as this year’s competition at NJPAC, will be dedicated to the memory of the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. The NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase is made possible by the following sponsors: Public Service Electric & Gas, PNC Bank, The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The United Way of Essex and West Hudson and Goya Foods, Inc. Gifts in kind supported by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Six Flags Great Adventure.