Kyle T. Smithmyer Newest 'Penn College Star'

Published 11.18.2014

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Kyle T. Smithmyer enjoys the spotlight as the second "Penn College Star."Gwendolyn A. Ntim sings for the audience and the panel of judges.James C. Hendrie shares one of his original raps.Caleb G. Schirmer performs a dance piece between acts.Beatboxer Lucas P. Crawford (second from right) was also among the finalists.Kyle T. Smithmyer, a surveying technology major from Huntingdon, was crowned the latest "Penn College Star" at the recent conclusion of a three-round talent competition. The singer/guitarist, among four students vying at the second annual event's Nov. 12 culmination in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium, took home a $500 Amazon gift card as the top prize-winner. Also competing were Lucas P. Crawford, a manufacturing engineering technology student from New Bethlehem, who beatboxed; James C. Hendrie, of Gettysburg, a software development and information management major who produces, writes and raps his own songs; and singer Gwendolyn A. Ntim, of Yonkers, New York, a pre-nursing student. A panel of judges and a tally of audience text messages rated the musicians on creativity/originality, poise/presentation, voice clarity and crowd appeal. Judges were college President Davie Jane Gilmour; Elliott Strickland, chief student affairs officer; Commuter Assistant Morgan N. Keyser; and 2000 alumnus Jon W. Mackey. “Penn College Star” – sponsored by the Off-Campus Housing Organization and the Residence Life and Student Activities offices – was hosted by George W. Settle III, last year's champion, and Lauren J. Crouse, OCHO vice president. Settle was also a guest performer, as was Caleb G. Schirmer, OCHO's interim president.
Photos by Dalaney T. Vartenisian, student photographer