On Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the James Lee Community Theater, the Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. held its 43rd annual Talent Hunt Competition. The Talent Hunt Program showcased the talents of the Fairfax County area young adults from grades 9 through 12. This year’s Mistress of Ceremony was the multitalented Ms. Midori Amae. Ms. Amae brought energy to the stage and many accomplishments in the entertainment arena.
The panel of judges, a testament to the caliber of the competition, included Mrs. Stacey Claytor, a renowned CE and founder of C4 Performing Arts Academy in Fairfax, VA; Dr. Michael Nickens, an esteemed Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Green Machine Jazz Band Ensemble at George Mason University; and Bro. Keith Wilson, an internationally recognized saxophone recording artist and the founder of Kool K Productions, specializing in blues, jazz, and R&B genres.
At the end of the 90-minute event, the first-place prize went to Mr. Mathieu Mercer – Keyboard instrumentalist. Mathieu is a 15-year-old sophomore at Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA; second place winner was Tariq Gibbs- trumpet instrumentalist. Tariq is a senior at Centerville High School; the third-place winner was Robin Newhouse- a digital artist. Robin is a local talent who has been drawing since age four; in fourth place was Ms. Miya Grimard, violin instrumentalist. Miya is a 17-year-old junior at Fall Church High School.
Each contestant, a shining star in their own right, was honored with a certificate of appreciation and a cash prize from the Bernie L. Bates Foundation. The first-place winner, Mr. Mathieu Mercer, not only received a certificate and trophy but also earned the privilege of representing the Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter at the 2024 Third District Talent Hunt competition during the Third District Meeting, a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work.
The chapter's winner, Mr. Mathieu Mercer, performs at District's.
VTAlum Midori Amae with 2nd place winner and future Hokie Tariq Gibbs,
Third place winner Robin Newhouse created this digital art piece representing reading a book (B&W) and the experience of the reader (Color),
L to R - Bro, Eric Johnson (chairman), Bro, Marvin Chisolm, Robin Newhouse, Bro. Ray Buckner, Modori Amae
