Collette Supported by Maple Leaf Realty, couch+cork, The Yoga Place, Hayden Plumbing & Heating, Heritage Family Credit Union, Devlin Family Funeral Home, Better Bennington Corporation, SWVT Chamber of Commerce.
Joy Proft has been the midday host on WEQXFM based in Manchester, Vermont for 4 years with duties that include hosting a Monday through Friday Retro Lunch at noon and a local business show, The Sunday Brunch. She worked in the sales side of the music industry for 15 years for Universal Distribution with positions in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Richmond, Virginia. Raised in Rhode Island, Joy moved to Vermont for the first time in 1990 and left the state and has moved back twice. In 2013, she opened the lingerie store JOY all things underthings in Manchester and sold it to employees in 2019 who now run the business under the name Le Peche Lingerie. While in high school, Joy was the emcee of her high school talent show and is grateful for all of the public speaking and presenting opportunities since. She was the red carpet host for the ITV Fest in Manchester for two years, which was broadcast live on GNAT-TV. Joy is an avid gardener, loves music, and lives in Pawlet with her husband Matt.
WEQX-FM is independent and locally-owned and broadcasts on 102.7. The radio station is listened to worldwide on the free WEQX app, smart speakers, and at weqx.com.
Closing ACT!
Trinity Madison
Trinity is a senior at MAUHS. She is a part of her school Choir, Chambers, Madrigals, and Drama Club. Trinity is an aspiring singer and actor. She is currently applying for college for Music Performance. Some of her past achievements are winning the Bennington Choral Society scholarship, playing Hodel in the MACC’s rendition of Fiddler on the Roof, and attending Berklee School of Music 5 Week Aspire Summer Program. Lastly, she was awarded Bennington’s Got Talent Winner of 2024. Trinity is very ecstatic to perform for you again. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Meet our judges
Kristine Lewis
Kristine Lewis’s career in show business spans the gamut. Her professional theatre credits are extensive and her work has appeared in national tours, summer stock, regional theatres, dinner theatres, and cabaret rooms throughout the U.S. A partner in Lewis & Fox Casting, Kristine is a member of the Casting Society of America (CSAI and has cast for many New York and regional theatre productions, as well as for film, television, music videos, commercials and industrials.
As a theatrical producer, Kristine worked with one of the most prolific songwriting tears, Richard and Robert Sherman (MARY POPPINS, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BAND. JUNGLE BOOK +), when she and her producing partners undertook a revival of the brother’s show BUSKER ALLEY, starring Jim Dale. Additionally, Kristine was executive producer on BURLEIGH GRIMES, associate producer on the NY production and Westport County Theatre of VIGIL, and on Broadway’s ENCHANTED APRIL, SPRING AWAKENING. She has produced numerous stage productions in USA. Kristine has directed shows too numerous to mention. Among the names, she has directed William Conrad, Lucy Arez, Andrea McArdle and many others. Her creative staging of FIORELLO at the Players Club in New York was hailed by the show’s writer Sheldon Harrick.
Presently Kristine is Executive Director of The Monument Arts & Cultural Center. Bring Entertainment, Art, Educational & Community events to Bennington, Vermont. To name a few recent events Bread Puppets, The Sound of Music (she Directed and Choreographed), Laura Moran, Love Letters with Juliet Mills & Moxwell Caulfield and more. The MACCenter has many exciting events coming up. Check out the website for more info www.monumentcentert.org
Christopher Oldham
Christopher Oldham was born and raised in Bennington and currently resides in North Bennington with his wife, Amanda, and their two sons, Christopher and Jackson. He served on the Bennington Select Board for nine years and authored a children’s book titled “A Father’s Letter To His Son.” His dedication and achievements earned him a spot as a recipient of Vermont Business Magazine’s 40 under 40 Rising Star Award. Chris has also held the position of Executive Director for both the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless and the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion. Currently, he works as the Director of Community Relations for MissionCare at Bennington.
Chris proudly identifies as a self-proclaimed expert talent-show judge. With over two decades of experience critiquing performances on popular shows like America’s Got Talent, American Idol, and The Voice — all from the comfort of his couch — he brings a wealth of knowledge to the stage. Chris has been a fixture on the Bennington’s Got Talent stage as the longest-serving judge, having participated in all eight seasons, including the All-Star Show.
Greg Van Houten
Greg Van Houten, known as GVH, is a multifaceted artist residing in Bennington, VT. He is a songwriter, musician, visual artist and proprietor of GVH Studio, specializing in large format graphic printing and installations. Collaborating with the region’s leading cultural institutions, architects, and marketing firms since 2007, GVH Studio serves clients across diverse industries, creating memorable displays including exhibits at Monument Center for Arts and Culture.
Also performing music as ‘GVH’ regionally, Greg released a full band studio recording of original music in 2019 with help from co-judge Hillary Chase and other local musicians. “You’re The Only One Who Thinks You’re Funny” has made it onto the radio with 10 of its 17 tracks, was chosen as “New Artist Of The Week” on Blues Deluxe Radio’s national syndicated show and was used for a music video by CAT-TV for the T-Mobile Hometown Video Contest featuring his local tribute; Bennington, Vermont. Greg’s music can be found at www.GVHmusic.com.
Hillary Chase
Hillary Chase is a local singer-songwriter of the VT-MA area. She has been performing and writing music since the early age of 11 and continued her studies of music into her years at a performing arts high school and later Bennington College where she graduated in 2014. From there she wrote her first fulllength album titled Find My Way. Hillary has played many gigs, worked and performed music at nursing homes, mentored through The Dream Program for kids, and now finds herself teaching music. Hillary is looking forward to releasing new music and performing at local venues in the near future. This year she joins Bennington’s Got Talent on the judging panel. Hillary won BGT in the past, and recently she was crowned Bennington County’s ALL-STAR in 2024, an event that brought together past winners.
GEORGINA STRYKES
Georgina Strykes is an independent artist trying to bring her versatile music to new ears. She longs to find her audience and spread her unique blend of genres. She is a singer songwriter and plays multiple instruments on her songs with themes of life and death. She is currently working on her first album and routinely releases new original music. You can find her on YouTube, all streaming platforms, and social media platforms.
Jason Dansby
When I’m not singing in the shower or in the car, I am singing during karaoke. Thanks to my older sisters, Tia & Nikki, I have had a talent for singing since a child. I want to share my talents with Bennington county. Thank you, Tia! RIP!
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KOBI ADDINGTON
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Kobi Addington is a 15 year old from Dorset, He is a 3 time returning contestant and competed in BGT All Stars. He is a pianist who has played for 12 years but now has started singing. When not performing, He is playing football.
ADELINE WHITE
Morgan Loomis
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Morgan Loomis is a junior at Bennington College studying music and education! She loves to write and record her own songs and enjoys jamming with others on her guitar and fiddle. She just released her first demo album “eaves” and is excited to work on more music. When she’s not making music, you can find her in the local schools working as a college and career guidance intern, on the trails with her snowshoes or hiking boots, or on epic adventures with her friends! You can find her and her music on all socials @ mirchemusic <3
Adeline White is a 14 year old 8th grader that attends Otter Valley and home studies. Performing is her passion and she has participated in 13 musicals and 1 play. Adeline was the winner of the 2024 Brandon Kids Idol. She has performed vocally at The Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) 4 times as a solo, duet and group performer through New England 4-H. Adeline is a member of the Rutland Performance and Arts 4-H Club and has been in 4-H for 9 years. In 2021, Adeline was the chosen youth delegate to represent Vermont at the National Association of Agricultural Aggregates National Convention in Philadelphia. Due to covid her performance of “Solla Sollew,” from Seussical was virtual. Adeline has participated in many local talent shows and also performs with her 4-H club. Additionally, she plays the oboe, bass, and ukulele, but her favorite instrument is her voice.
Adeline has 4 cats and a pony. She is a quiet, humble kid that is honored to be a part Bennington County’s Got Talent!
Patrick Collette
My name is Patrick Collette I was born and raised in Bennington Vermont, I have played guitar and sang most of my life and I wouldn’t have ever pick it up if it wasn’t for watching my grandfather playing growing up. We recently just lost him and it’s been hard but I know he’s always with me when I’m singing or playing guitar. I’m glad to say that I can carry on his tradition with music and I won’t ever give up. This one Is for you grandpa. I love you till we meet again.
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Abagail Hunter
Abagail Hunter is a third year student at Vermont State University-Castleton, majoring in Theater Arts with minors in dance and music. You can find her performing on stage in the musicals at Casella Theater, and this spring in the play, Hamlet. With over 16 years of dance experience in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern and pointe, her favorite memory is performing with the Albany Berkshire Ballet, in the Nutcracker. She is currently Miss Southern Vermont 2025 and will be competing for the title of Miss Vermont this May. She is spending a lot of her time at events around Bennington County and is so excited to share her performance with you.
MaxXander
MaxXander is a dynamic quartet featuring Jimmy Evans (guitar, vocals, keyboards), George Kurtz (saxophone), Steven Weinburg (bass), and Josh Volovick (drums). Blending original music with classic covers, their sound spans classic rock, progressive psychedelic rock, funk, R&B, folk, grunge, and more— delivering an eclectic mix that defies boundaries.
Fiona Huttle
Fiona is 12 years old and moved here at age 8 with her mother, Lauren Biasi, from Long Island, NY. Her first time on stage was when she was 18th months old. Since moving to Bennington she has performed at the MACC in Sound of Music and in Annie.
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Veronica Jarvis
Veronica Jarvis is a singer and songwriter from North Pownal, VT and a junior at MAUHS. She has been involved in choir and Drama Club throughout high school and has enjoyed it very much from her love of performing and singing. During her spare time she enjoys writing original songs with her guitar and hopes to release her original music soon. She has been singing for as long as she can remember and she is excited to be a part of this event once again.
MICHAEL GREENE III
I’m fifteen years old self taught and have played the guitar since a small boy. Music is my passion.
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Alana Marie Buryk
Hi, I’m 13 and I proudly go to The School of Sacred Heart St. Francis De Sales. I am currently in 7th grade and I love to sing, preform, act, and draw.
Jenica Faith Warren
I am a poetry writer ready to expand into the world of spoken word. My love for poetry began in middle school, in which my English teacher expressed I demonstrated ability to evoke strong emotions from my writing. I utilized poetry writing throughout my teens and early 20 to express hard emotions, I otherwise would have left bottled up. My poetry began to shift from a therapeutic approach to an insightful connection approach. I aspire to publish a poetry book and become known as a powerful poetry reader shifting the perspective and dynamics in which we live. I want to bring insight to others that the journey out of darkness is possible and living a life of peace, love, and the pursuit of happiness is possible for all. I am in the beginning stages of creating an Instagram account focused on my poetry and spoken word performances, it can be found @jsoul.faithrising. Here’s to love and connection within all of us!
LAUREN BIASI
Lauren moved to Bennington back in 2020 from Long Island, NY. She is the owner of World of Wonder Entertainment (interactive character entertainment) and a Board Member of Walloomsac River Theatre Company, teaching the youth theater programming.
Nicholas Skora
Natalie Perkins 2017
Bubba Lou Tugget 2018
Trinity Madison 2024
Tim Wade 2020
MissionCareatBenningtonhasbeeninfullswing sinceSeptember 2024, when Connecticut-based iCareHealthNetwork officiallyacquiredtheformer BenningtonHealthandRehab.Lastyear,theState ofVermontDepartmentofDisabilities,Aging, and IndependentLiving(DAIL)selectediCareHealth Network to openalong-termskillednursingfacility forVermonterswithcomplexneedswhoareoften difficulttoplace.iCarewasselectedbasedonitsexpertisein operatinganetwork ofnursingfacilitiesfor peoplewithneedsbeyondwhatatraditionalnursing hometypicallyserves.
