STATEWIDE - The finalists for the NJN Hispanic Youth Showcase 2005 will compete at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Victoria Theatre on Friday, May 27 at 7 pm . Forty-one representatives from New Jersey , New York and Pennsylvania will take the stage in one of the most highly acclaimed talent search competitions in the tri-state area. This cavalcade of young performers can be classified as a sampling of the best young talent in the region.

The talented hopefuls will test their vocal chords, dance moves and instrumental training in the following categories: junior performers 8 to 12 years old; teen performers 13 to 17 years of age; and kid dancers ages 4 to 7. Two winners will be selected in each category of dance, vocals and instruments. They will also compete for $500 scholarships in honor of the King of Latin Music, Tito Puente; the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz; and the international dance star, Beatriz Rodriguez.

Months of screening numerous videotapes and holding standing-room-only auditions in Newark were necessary to select this talented group of young stars. On a single night, fourteen winners will go home with scholarships to pursue their dreams, a free trip to Six Flags, Great Adventure, and much more.

NJN will air a television special honoring the Hispanic Youth Showcase champions during the summer of 2005. The television broadcast, as well as this year's competition at NJPAC, will be 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 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.

'05 Hispanic Youth Showcase finalists (in order of appearance at NJPAC)

TEEN INSTRUMENTAL CATEGORY

•  Omara Cardoza, Age 17, Union City , NJ
"I've been playing piano since I was five. Reaching the finals is a meaningful accomplishment."

•  Alexander Moreta, Age 15, Teaneck , NJ
"I have reached a milestone in my life."

•  Melissa Romero, Age 13, Layfayette , NJ
"This was one of my goals on the road to becoming a great pianist."

•  Timothy Rosales, Age 15, New York City , NY
"My dream is to become a music professor."

•  Javier Santos, Age 15, New York City , NY
"Being a finalist gives me confidence in my music skills."

JUNIOR DANCE CATEGORY

•  Andrea Batista, Age 11, Wallington , NJ
"I enjoy participating. I hope to win this time."

•  Sarah Bombino, Age 10, West New York , NJ
"I want to become a lawyer and a professional dancer."

•  Bianca Diaz, Age 11, Union City , NJ
"All my hard work paid off."

•  Anthony Fania, Age 12, Califon , NJ
"I want to become a dancer on Broadway."

•  Kassandra Santiago, Age 11, Newark , NJ
"I want to own a dance school and become famous on TV."

•  Crystal Vazquez, Age 11, Union City , NJ
"My performance is dedicated to my dance teacher."

•  Gabriela Vivar, Age 10, North Bergen , NJ
"This will help me gain more experience."

TEEN VOCALS CATEGORY

•  Keilly Burgos, Age 17, Newark , NJ
"I want to become a singer and give back to the community."

•  Luis Figueroa-Roig, Age 15, Philadelphia , PA
"I want to be a star and the pride of the Hispanic community."

•  Sebastian Garcia, Age 17, Freehold, NJ
"I hope a record company will become interested in me."

•  Diana Osorio, Age 13, Belleville , NJ
"I want to make a difference in the life of others with my example."

•  Adriana Rivera, Age 16, Basking Ridge, NJ
"My performance is dedicated to my mom and the soldiers overseas."

•  Jennifer Lynn Rodriguez, Age 15, Hamilton , NJ
"Dedicated to my late grandfather, Osvaldo Ortiz."

•  Teresa Torres, Age 13, Haskell , NJ
"I want to become a professional bi-lingual singer."

•  Carly Chantelle Valentin, Age 15, Belleville , NJ
"My performance is dedicated to my loving family."

KIDS' DANCE CATEGORY

•  Shelya Astos, Age 7, North Bergen , NJ
"Dedicated to my teachers, family and friends."

•  Ysara Duran, Age 7, North Bergen , NJ
"Dedicated to my loving family."

•  Itamary Flores, Age 6, New Brunswick , NJ
"My performance is dedicated to Mexico ."

•  Kayla Ortiz, Age 5, Jersey City , NJ
"My dream is to become a ballerina."

JUNIOR INSTRUMENTAL CATEGORY

•  Victoria Mollinedo, Age 10, Ridgefield Park , NJ
"I just want to be happy and get a good education."

•  Oksana Pasian, Age 9, New York , NY
"My brother won. I want to follow in his footsteps."

•  Rebecca Rabelo, Age 10, Glen Rock, NJ
"I dedicate my performance to my sister and family."

•  Caitlin Sanchez, Age 9, North Bergen , NJ
"I hope people will value my dedication to music."

•  Mian Lee Seo, Age 10, Lyndhurst , NJ
"Happiness for me is my family."

•  Nicole Ashley Umina, Age 11, Ridgewood , NJ
"I want to travel the world as a pianist."

TEEN DANCE CATEGORY

•  Shakira Barrera, Age 15, Englewood , NJ
"I am one step closer to my dream: Broadway."

•  Vanessa Contreras, Age 13, Union City , NJ
"I want to become a famous ballerina."

•  Jessica Garcia, Age 17, North Bergen , NJ
"Being here means the world to me. It is my last year."

•  Hilda Morfi, Age 17, Ridgefield , NJ
"I want to make a difference in this world."

•  Nicholas Ruiz, Age 15, Old Bridge , NJ
"To my grandparents who always had faith in me."

•  Catherine Suarez, Age 16, Jersey City , NJ
"I achieved one of my goals by being here."

JUNIOR VOCALS CATEGORY

•  Parris Nicole Cisco, Age 12, Park Ridge , NJ
"I want people to enjoy my performance and have a good time."

•  Alicia Morejon, Age 10, Union City , NJ
"I want to be a teacher and a singer."

•  Liana Ortiz, Age 10, Jersey City , NJ
"All the days and nights of rehearsing paid off."

•  Edward Perry III, Age 11, Cookstown , NJ
"I want to be a singer and help foster children."

•  Jeremiah Rodriguez, Age 12, Hoboken , NJ
"I want to be an actor and a gospel singer.

"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.