Ukuleles, Guitars, Tap Shoes and the Wildcat! Oh, My!

Buoyed by a strong audience following  – and a final act that incorporated the college mascot – a welding and fabrication engineering technology major rose from a fourth-place finish in the first round of "Penn College Star" to win the $500 top prize among six talented competitors at this week's finals. George W. Settle III, of Dillsburg, whose dramatic "pec dance" finished fourth in Round One and advanced as a "Wild Card" entry in Round Two, was crowned the champion after Wednesday's finale in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium. "It was the most amazing show ever," said Ashley A. Smith Nicholas, coordinator of residence life, whose sentiments were shared by co-sponsors Katie L. Mackey, coordinator of off-campus living and commuter services, and Kas A. Williams, residence life coordinator. "We have quite the talented artists here at Penn College. Great singers, songwriters and dancers." Julia I. Gilchrist, a plastics and polymer engineering technology major from Hanover, finished second for her ukulele, guitar and vocals; third place was won by guitarist/singer Darren J. Layre, of Hatboro, enrolled in culinary arts and systems. Other finalists were Chad M. Austin, a heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis major from Eldred, guitar and vocals; Kimberly S. Filko, a graphic design student from State College, clog dancing; and Benjamin J. Leskovansky, of Bellefonte, enrolled in information technology sciences – gaming and simulation, guitar and vocals. "All of the artists were amazing and deserve recognition," Nicholas said. "'Penn College Star' proves how talented our students really are. It was exciting to see them develop and enhance their talents over the last semester."

– Photos by Marc T. Kaylor, student photographer

George W. Settle III holds his head – and his $500 winnings – high.

Ryan S. Schrimp, of the Off-Campus Housing Organization, served as master of ceremonies throughout the three-round competition.

Benjamin J. Leskovansky

An astute panel of judges offers its critique.

Musician Darren J. Layre played to a third-place finish.

Kimberly S. Filko

Chad M. Austin

Dipping for dollars

A diverse dance company, including the Penn College Wildcat, collaborates with the eventual winner.

Settle balances agility, grace en route to victory.

Julia I. Gilchrist

"Penn College Star" contestants await the outcome.