David Douglas High’s talent shines at competition

Discover who was on stage from the school, in this year’s “Talent Within” competition. One who came was awarded a scholarship …

The “Talent Within” competition, featuring students from 12 Portland metro area high schools, returns to the stage of the City Bible Church auditorium.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The 3rd annual “Talent Within” competition, hosted by Z-Man Scholarship Foundation and the Portland Police Bureau Youth Services Division, returned to City Bible Church, in outer East Portland on Rocky Butte, on April 24.

The singers, dancers, and musicians came from a dozen Portland metropolitan schools. Each had won talent competitions in his or her school, and so became eligible to compete for the top prize – a $5,000 scholarship toward the college of their choice. The competition was judged by a panel of local celebrity judges.

Singing the new release by Meghan Trainor, “Dear Future Husband”, David Douglas High School sophomore Karla Rae Mangalindan captivates the audience.

A first-time performer from David Douglas High School, sophomore Karla Rae Mangalindan, enchanted the audience with her rendition of Meghan Trainor’s “Dear Future Husband”, accompanying herself on a ukulele.

The talent she demonstrated in both playing and singing made it clear why she’d been selected from her school’s talent show to participate in the city-wide competition.

“I am currently in Advanced Treble Choir, and next year I will be in Concert Choir,” Mangalindan said after her performance. “But I also play volleyball and compete in track and field.”

The perky performance of Karla Rae Mangalindan had its intended effect: She left the audience smiling.

Asked why she decided to enter the competition, Mangalindan said, “I want to share my talent with people. I like bring a smile to people’s faces, so I did this.”

About her choice of material, Mangalindan said, “It’s my favorite song right now. It makes me smile, and it seems to make other people smile when they hear me perform it on my ukulele.”

Although she didn’t win a scholarship this year, it’s clear that Mangalindan will be a delightfully serious competitor in the future.

David Douglas High School sophomore Abby Pred performs an award-winning dance number.

Another competitor on the bill was David Douglas High School 10^th grader Abby Pred.

Although she performed at solo interpretative dance routine at the 2014 “Talent Within” competition, Pred didn’t win a scholarship either.

“It is called ‘Talent within’,” Pred said after her performance. “I believe I do have talent to share, so it went for it, and I decided to perform again this year.”

Dancer Abby Pred’s performance charms both audience members, and judges.

Pred says she’s studied dance for quite a while, and also takes theater classes at the school.

This year, Pred danced her way into the hearts of the judges, and was their second place choice. She was presented a $2,000 scholarship from the Z-Man Scholarship Foundation.

Madisen Hallberg from Gresham High School took first place, singing the classic Ray Charles tune “Georgia” while accompanying herself at the piano, and will receive $5000 towards her college education.

Z-Man Scholarship Foundation Executive Director Jenelle Clinton and Police Bureau North Precinct Sgt. Hank Hayes both say they’re pleased by the interaction they have with talented students in the area.

“The Z-Man Scholarship Foundation was established in honor of Portland Police Bureau Officer Mark Zylawy for his dedication to duty as a police officer, while striving to improve the organization and the community in which he worked,” said Executive Director Jenelle Clinton.

“What is really cool about this event, is how it connects police officers with kids in the school,” Clinton told East Portland News. “Officers are encouraging them to participate in their school talent shows, to serve as local judge panels, and are supporting them every step of the way.

“In this way, the kids get to see police officers as human beings,” Clinton added, “in a positive way. It’s nice to see this positive connection and support happening between our young people and their officers.”

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