When people think of realtors, they of ten pic ture home sales, open houses, and proper ty listings However, our members are much more than just professionals helping client s buy and sell homes — they are deeply invested in the communities they ser ve.
Investing in Community Grow th
Our members understand that strong, vibrant communities attrac t homebuyers and create long-term value and therefore ac tively par ticipate in initiatives that improve neighborhoods, such as:
• Community Beautification
• Suppor t for Local Schools
Giving Back Through Charity & Volunteerism
Beyond their professional responsibilities, our members dedicate time and resources to charitable causes that benefit our communities.
Advocac y & Local Economic Development
Our members are power ful advocates for policies that streng then communities.
For our members, success isn't just about closing deals — it's about making a lasting impac t on the neighborhoods they ser ve.
Our members are community builders, dedicated to making our towns and cities better places to live, work, and grow.
A strong community star t s with the people who are committed to it s success.
We thank all ORR A members for their continued ser vice and commitment to our region!
Many Thanks to our Sponsors!
FOUNDATION
Top Talent LIVE 2025 returns to the stage!
Welcome to Top Talent LIVE 2025, a showcase of student talent in the performing arts. We are thrilled to return to the Dr. Phillips Center, where our student talent really shines!
This year, more than 160 marvelous acts auditioned, making the job of selecting this year’s cast extremely tough. Congratulations to ALL the students whose talents are on full display this afternoon!
OCPS offers high-quality arts programs to every student, at every grade level. Students are actively engaged in the arts through a sequential, comprehensive standards-based curriculum that develops their personal artistry. By expanding proficiency in the arts, students develop self-esteem, confident self-expression, reflective and evaluative skills, critical-thinking skills, and appreciation of others’ work.
Proceeds from today’s event will support arts access for ALL students and provide postsecondary arts support for students experiencing poverty and homelessness. A small portion will also support the Foundation itself. We deeply appreciate the generosity of our sponsors and audience members: they are investing in our children today, which will strengthen our entire community tomorrow.
I would also like to thank the many volunteers, staff, celebrity judges and Foundation board members who have dedicated countless hours to bring today’s event to life. These selfless individuals have worked diligently to ensure the show’s success.
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Scott D. Howat President, Foundation for Orange County Public Schools Chief Communications Officer, Orange County Public Schools
P.S. Don’t forget to vote for your Fan Favorites…
Event Schedule
12:30 p.m.
Lobby Opens
Tier 2 Rotunda Coffee Bar
VIP Reception (12:30 – 1:30 p.m.)
Kessler Tier
1:30 p.m.
Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater Doors Open
2:00 p.m. Act I
Intermission Act II
Top Talent LIVE Awards
4:30 P.m. End of Show
Change the lives of students in housing transition.
Join over 700 educators and community members as we LIGHT the WAY to a brighter future for our neediest students. Scan the QR code to learn more.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: June 5, 2025
KNOWLEDGE. INVESTING IN
We’re proud to support those who work toward a brighter tomorrow.
Meet our Hosts!
Ginger Gadsden joined the News 6 team June 15, 2014, as an anchor/reporter. She currently co-anchors the news at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. You can also catch Ginger on Florida’s Fourth Estate Podcast now streaming on News 6+.
Ginger’s career in television began shortly after her college theater professor told her she had a unique presence that captured the attention of other students in the classroom. He advised her to pursue a career in journalism and helped her secure an internship at the local NBC television station in Columbia, SC. The moment she walked into the newsroom she fell in love
with the energy of live, local news. After her internship, Ginger’s skills landed her a job at FOX 59 in Indianapolis as the weekend weather anchor and entertainment reporter. She was soon promoted to co-anchor of the 10 p.m. newscast.
She has also worked in Dallas and Washington DC, but Florida is the state where she has spent most of her career. Ginger has covered a variety of big stories including some in Florida sports. In 2007 she traveled to Arizona to cover the Florida Gators when they won the BCS Championship, and when the Tampa Bay Rays were in the World Series, Ginger was
Ginger Gadsden & Matt Austin
Anchors, News 6 WKMG
live at Tropicana Field for each home game. She also anchored live coverage of Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium.
Ginger was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina as the 7th of 15 children! If you ask her to name her hero, she’ll proudly tell you it’s her father. Married for 57 years, her parents are her role models and she credits them for instilling in her a strong work ethic. She is a selfproclaimed foodie who loves trying new cuisines and has a passion for travel. She has visited Greece, Spain, Africa and Italy, with Thailand, Australia and Antarctica being on her list – someday!
Matt Austin joined the News 6 team in June 2011. It has been a wild ride ever since.
Matt has covered some of Florida’s biggest court cases, from Casey Anthony to George Zimmerman. From hurricanes to tragic events, Matt has seen a lot during his career.
His reporting has also changed the state of Florida. In 2019, Matt helped change Florida law, which previously kept law enforcement from pulling over texting drivers. Distracted driving crashes were becoming increasingly common. The National Association of Broadcasters awarded Matt the Service to America Award for his three-year investigation.
Matt says his goal is to give people a reliable and relatable experience when they watch the news.
But Matt’s true joy comes when he arrives at home to a house full of beautiful ladies. His wife Tricia and three daughters give him added motivation to make sure Central Florida stays safe and informed.
You can watch Matt Austin weekdays at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. on News 6. Plus! You can also catch Matt on Florida’s Fourth Estate Podcast now streaming on News 6+.
Meet our
Christy is a musical artist, director, producer, arranger and performer whose 30year career spans stage, screen and studio. From touring the world with Grammywinning Mannheim Steamroller to leading music direction for Cirque du Soleil and Broadway tours, her credits include arrangements on over 1,500 episodes and films, and live appearances in more than 8,000 concerts worldwide. Christy also founded ProMusicDB.org, the first nonprofit music credits archive preserving the legacy of behind-the-scenes music professionals. Her work bridges the worlds of creativity, leadership and innovation.
Currently a Senior Music Producer for Disney Live Entertainment, Christy develops original scores, arrangements, and musical storytelling for global audiences across Disney parks and cruise lines.
Christy is also the founder of Musicianism™, a podcast, book and blog that explores how music can train the brain and enhance wellness, productivity and leadership. Christy coined the term “Music Biohacker” to describe her unique approach to using music as a tool for transformation. More information can be found on her website: https://ChristyCrowl.com
Curtis Gulledge
Curtis is a highly-sought-after international virtual vocal coach, music director, worship leader, recording artist, song writer and founder of C. Sharply Management in Orlando, Florida. He has trained and coached over 700 singers of all ages in many different genres from all over the world. Curtis graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in music and from the American Intercontinental University, where he received his MA in Educational Leadership.
Curtis has worked extensively as a vocal coach and so much more: he has been a K-12 music educator, music director for middle and high school music theater programs and community theaters, vocal music workshop clinician and coordinator, traveling Artist-in-Residence for several universities, including K-State University, University of Arkansas, and Brigham Young University to name a few, and as a songwriter and arranger. Curtis has written over 100 songs for soloists, small groups, and choirs. Recently, his composition of “Swing Low,” performed by the United Voices of Chicago, reached over 100,000 views on Instagram, resulting in this music being heard throughout the entire country.
Curtis has received numerous awards for his amazing contributions to educating young people with his 100% positivity approach to making better people. He continues to use the C Sharply method of instruction to build confidence, enlighten abilities and encourage continual pursuit to greatness.
Celebrity Judges!
Jennifer was a Mouseketeer on the Disney Channel’s The All-New Mickey Mouse Club TV series and has performed internationally with artists such as Christina Aguilera, Boyz II Men, JC Chasez, Auli`i Cravalho, Celine Dion, Joey Fatone, Ryan Gosling, Norm Lewis, Kenny Loggins, New Kids On The Block, Alanis Morissette, David Phelps, Keri Russell, Nicole Scherzinger, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Vanessa Williams. Jennifer released her debut solo album “Unbreakable” in 2017. This year, Jennifer worked with Stephen Schwartz and the New York City Chamber Orchestra in the Manhattan Concert Productions’ Broadway Series: “Children of Eden” at Lincoln Center, directed by Broadway veteran, Tony Yazbek. Jennifer has been a vocal coach for over 25 years and is Artistic Director of Halifax Repertory Theatre.
Lexi’s favorite roles include: wife to Teddy Toye and aunt to Ava & Isla, as well as Hamilton (Broadway); Finding Neverland (National Tour); Hamilton (Philip Tour); Hamilton (Angelica Tour); Mamma Mia (Fireside Theater); Whiskeyland (Fringe); Magical Friendship Faire (WDW); Holidays in Hollywood (WDW); and Norwegian Cruise Line, DescenDANCE Party (WDW). She earned her BFA at Marymount Manhattan College. She couldn’t be more thrilled to be here at Top Talent LIVE 2025!
Shane’s impressive theatrical career spans national and regional stages, with standout roles and diverse performances. In Orlando, he’s shone in productions like Ain’t Misbehavin’, and as the Emcee in Cabaret at Orlando Shakes. He’s also performed in And the World Goes Round and Next to Normal for New Gen Theatricals, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Roberta Emerson. Notably, he played The Beast in Beauty and the Beast at the Garden Theater.
Nationally, Shane was part of the original Broadway cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams and its first national tour; performed in the Toronto Company of The Lion King; and toured with Harold Prince’s Show Boat and Man of La Mancha. His regional credits include roles in Pippin, Annie!, Aladdin, The Producers, J.C. Superstar, and Oliver!
Shane’s television appearances include Live! with Regis and Kelly, Good Morning America, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He’s also served as assistant director for several Off-Broadway productions and directed Diary of a Dancer. Currently, Shane captivates passengers as Sunny for Mears Connect Onboard Entertainment.
8. Aidan Cox, Davi Vianna, “Coffee in a Cardboard Cup” Isabella Hutchinson, Jamie Liepshutz, from The World Goes ‘Round | Vocal Group Matheus Britto & Morgan McIntyre
INTERMISSION
Act 2 Performers
Act | Talent Category
9. Aziz Ansari, Bianca Toledo, Dr Phillips Jazz Combo | Instrumental/Vocal Group Jiselle Hobbs, Jonah Martin, Kervens Jules & Luis Encarnacion
10. Daniela Peñaloza & Lauren King “In His Eyes” | Vocal Duet
11. Jennifer Herrera “Dancing My Way” | Dance
12. Eben Ge “Time” | Piano
13. Guilherme Lana & Larissa Lana “More Than Able” | Instrumental/Vocal Duet
14. Benjamin Ellis “Playing God” | Guitar
15. Demi Britten “Fame” | Dance
16. Madison Perez
17. Xiaoyu Tang
“My Days” from The Notebook | Vocal
“Czerny Op 740 No 20” Double Octaves | Piano
Meet our FINALISTS! Meet
Eben Ge
Amarianne Battle
Danna Paola
Toledo
Matheus Britto
Aidan Cox
Annie Fialkowski
Demi Britten
Jiselle Hobbs
Gustavo Vargas Maldonado
Kervens Jules Luis Encarnacion
Isabella Hutchinson
Daniel Franhani
Daniela Peñaloza
Lauren King
Jennifer Herrera
Jonah Martin
Aziz Ansari
Larissa Lana
Guilherme Lana
Madison Perez
Jamie Liepshutz
Benjamin Ellis
Davi Vianna
Yinuo Pei
Xiaoyu Tang
Pascal Biegelaar
Morgan McIntyre
Universal Orlando Resort is proud to support The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools.
Stewart Parker OCPS Teacher of the Year 2021 Winter Park High School
Joseph “JP” Pirrello Director, Park Operations Park Quality and Horticulture SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Diego “Woody” Rodriguez Director, External Affairs Disney Parks Experiences & Products
Maria Salamanca School Board Member - District 2 School Board of Orange County
Kathryn Shuler
Chief Schools Officer Orange County Public Schools
Rob Stang Manager, Projects | Attraction Development |AMP Universal Orlando Resort
Michelle Strenth
Assistant Vice President Government Affairs & Public Policy Orlando Health
Eryn Vargo
Chief Executive Officer Orlando Mom Collective
Margaux Cruz
Senior Administrator, Philanthropic Strategy
Sondra Dunlap
Senior Manager, Grants
Kathleen Wright Administrator, Partners in Education
Joie Cadle Consultant
Mackenzie King
Consultant, Social Media
Carmen Mendez
Administrative Specialist
Krisimarie Reyes
Administrative Secretary
FOR YOUR FAN FAVORITES!
WHEN YOU VOTE for your favorite Top Talent LIVE act, you’ll help him or her win a $500 gift card. More importantly, you’ll help provide arts enrichment for students experiencing poverty or homelessness. That’s an investment in our students today that will strengthen the entire community tomorrow!
VOTING IS EASY:
• Text FFSTAGE to 41444.
• You’ll receive a reply with a link.
• Click the link, then simply fill out the form to give $1 per vote to our cause.
• You can also scan the QR code below for quick access to the form. You may vote as many times as you like, for as many performers as you like.
All contributions are tax deductible. A final tally of votes will determine the 2025 Fan Favorite. So be sure to vote early and often for YOUR favorite!
SCAN HERE
OR TEXT
FFSTAGE to 41444
Proceeds from Top Talent help support the Foundation and provide arts enrichment for students experiencing poverty and homelessness. We are grateful to all of our generous sponsors and audience members!
