ALLENTOWN - The high school erupted with talent for a good cause on May 9.

Students approached the stage and showed off their skills to help the Student Council raise money for the Valerie Fund, which helps children with cancer.

Ticket sales helped bring in $1,600 for the nonprofit. Overall, the Student Council has raised $12,000 for the Valerie Fund this year by hosting events like the recent Talent Show.

Contestant and third place winner BrittanyMalinowski, a junior, said she wouldn't have changed a thing about her performance.

"I putmy heart and soul into it," she said.

Brittany sang while playing the piano and wasn't the only contestant who enjoyed the show. JuniorMichaelCingolani, a karate kid fromMillstone,wowed the audiencewith his quick reflexes and intensity. Michael, who had always watched his cousin do karate, realized in middle school that he really "liked it and was good at it."

The performers were not the only ones whomade the show possible. Student Council members coordinated some of the most crucial parts of the event, such as microphones, programs, refreshments, tickets, audio and scores.

"It went smoothly this year," Spanish teacher and Student Council advisor Pat Sweeney said with relief.

English teacher and judge Ellen Jacko said she looked out for "good use of ability, sense of sincerity and a connection with the audience" in the acts.

When asked to define talent, Jacko said, it is skill in an area that is honed by hard work and a passion for what one is doing.

Jacko proudly displays her talent every school day as a teacher.

At the end of the show each year it is tradition for the previous year's winner to perform as contestant scores are tallied. This year, the previous winner was unable to attend so the Student Council agreed to haveDariusNewman, a junior and aspiring professional performer, give his rendition of Michael Jackson's "Beat It." Newman's act came complete with a back-up band and dancers and fog for dramatic effect.

As Newman's performance concluded, the contestants' and audiencemembers' anticipation began to build for the announcement of the top three performers.

The people's choice award, decided by the amount of money placed in each performer's jar throughout the night, went to junior Caylin Moore, a singer. The money collected in the jars also went to the Valerie Fund.

While Brittany earned third place, a trio of seniors, Michelle Attardi, who sang "Bleeding Love" accompanied by guitarist Jordan Penn and pianistMichaelGilch, garnered second place.

After the second and third placewinners were announced a drumroll began and senior Ashley Rose Folino was given the first place prize. She received a $50 check for her winning performance of a ballad from the Broadway musical "Hairspray."

As said by Sweeney, Allentown High School's Talent Show will make an encore next spring.