Tuesday, December 31, 2002
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT: Nevada's Young Entertainers bring joy to White House

Group volunteers its services throughout the community

The Young Entertainers, a group of Southern Nevada singers ranging in age from 8 to 15, just returned from Washington, D.C. Youngsters and chaperones gather at the airport during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. Helen Joy leads the group of young singers.

Helen Joy proudly wears her Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal for her time spent entertaining and supporting the Australian armed forces during the Vietnam War. And now her singing group, Helen Joy's Young Entertainers, has done its share to boost morale for Americans.

The Young Entertainers, a group of Southern Nevada singers ranging in age from 8 to 15, just returned from Washington, D.C., where they performed at the White House and in front of the national Christmas tree.

Joy, a singer, has been teaching children for the past 20 years. She decided to "give it a shot" and applied in February 2002 to perform at the White House. Her application was in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the sadness the country experienced.

She wasn't surprised when she found out in November that her group was chosen to perform.

"They are very good and beautifully costumed," she said. "Their songs are very positive and just delightful."

The group volunteers its services throughout the community to "anyone who needs a little cheer," according to Joy. The group was excited to share its songs of hope, love and peace in the nation's capital.

"It's really fun being able to sing in front of others," says Nicolette Iorlano, 13, one of the 22 students to travel to the White House. "You get to sing for a good cause."

Iorlano was excited to travel to Washington.

"This is our big payoff from all of that (community service)," she says.

She loves performing in front of big audiences and enjoys the camaraderie among the group members.

"My favorite memory is being with all our friends and being in the White House. That was a great honor."

Lainey Fenn, 12, also was excited to go on the trip. She says her friends at school didn't believe she was going to perform at the White House.

"They are now in the archives," Joy says of the group's performance. "They're part of history."

In other youth news:

• Winners of the fifth annual Valley Automall Holiday Tree Decorating Contest were: Advanced Technologies Academy, first place; Green Valley High School, second place; and Centennial High School, third place. The schools received $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 respectively for their top finishes.

• Brianna Hayes of Faith Lutheran High School attended the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., Nov. 19-24. Hayes had the opportunity to meet members of Congress.

• Emmanuel Caudillo has earned a $1,000 college scholarship from the publisher of Who's Who Among American High School Students.

• Winners of Green Valley High School's fourth annual Jump into Action Reading Incentive program include: Scott Hinojosa, Elizabeth Jones, Angela Lok, RD Lopez, Ron Lyster, Brandy Morgan, Emily Meyers, Bonnie Trigero, Roman Troyano, Michael Washington and Justin Whitney.

• The Virgin Valley High School Key Club and Honor Society had their annual Christmas dinner for the Mesquite Highland Manor. The students served dinner and entertained the senior residents.

• Patrick Varner of Las Vegas was named Cadet of the Month for November at Hargrave Military Academy.

If you know of a worthy candidate for the Youth Spotlight column, mail information to: Deana Di Dio, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070. Send faxes to 383-4676 or send e-mail to ddidio@reviewjournal.com.