STATEWIDE – The winners of NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase 2005 were announced at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Victoria Theatre on May 27. Forty-one representatives from New Jersey , New York and Pennsylvania took part in one of the most highly acclaimed talent search competitions in the tri-state area.

Elizabeth Christopherson, executive director of NJN Public Television, talks about the energy and dedication of the young performers. “The NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase gives our community the unique opportunity to witness the talent and determination of tomorrow's leaders. These young stars show great promise and serve as inspiring role models for New Jersey 's children.”

NJN will air a television special honoring the Hispanic Youth Showcase champions this summer. The television broadcast, as well as this year's competition at NJPAC, is dedicated to the present stars of the Showcase . These inspiring artists include Aryana Rodriguez, soap actress star on ABC's All My Children ; Jayro Rosado, international singer on Telefutura's Objetivo Fama ; Karina Pasian, recording artist with Quincy Jones; Orlando Hernandez, tap dancer who performed throughout Europe ; and Elkys Gonzalez, Regional Dance Champion.

This family theatrical event and television special has received an Emmy Award and six Emmy nominations, while gaining recognition by the Arts Council Co-op as on of the top six children's entertainment programs in the nation. Over 3,800 participants have competed throughout the past nineteen years under the direction of Willie Sanchez, executive producer/director of Images/Imagenes. Images/Imagenes airs on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and Sundays at 8 am on NJN.

Many of the winners have gone on to appear in international television shows, network commercials, Hollywood movies and the Broadway stage. Currently, the Showcase is regarded as one of the oldest Hispanic youth talent shows in the country.

Funding for the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase 2005 is provided by Public Service Electric & Gas, PNC Bank, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Goya Foods, Inc. and The United Way of Essex & West Hudson . Additional support provided by Six Flags and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

2005 Hispanic Youth Showcase WINNERS

KID DANCE CATEGORY
•  Ashley Palma, Age 7, New Brunswick , NJ – Mexican
•  Kayla Ortiz, Age 5, Jersey City , NJ – Modern Stupid Cupid

JUNIOR INSTRUMENTAL CATEGORY
•  Caitlin Sanchez, Age 9, North Bergen , NJ – Jazz/Piano
•  Nicole Ashley Umina, Age 11, Ridgewood , NJ – Classical/Piano

JUNIOR DANCE CATEGORY
•  Anthony Fania, Age 12, Califon , NJ – Modern Car Wash
•  Gabriela Vivar, Age 10, North Bergen , NJ – Modern Baby I'm a Star

JUNIOR VOCALS CATEGORY
•  Liana Ortiz, Age 10, Jersey City , NJ – Over the Rainbow
•  Edward J. Perry III, Age 11, Cookstown , NJ

TEEN INSTRUMENTAL CATEGORY
•  Alexander Moreta, Age 15, Teaneck , NJ – Classical/Piano
•  Javier Santos, Age 15, New York City , NY – Classical/Piano

TEEN DANCE CATEGORY
•  Vanessa Contreras, Age 13, Union City , NJ - Modern
•  Nicholas Ruiz, Age 15, Old Ridge , NJ – Tap

TEEN VOCALS CATEGORY
•  Sebastian Garcia, Age 17, Freehold, NJ – Guitar/Vocalist
•  Carly Chantelle Valentin, Age 15, Belleville , NJ – Quimbara