Star of tomorrow sings her way to success
Victoria Xikes, at home with her talent award which also included a cash scholarship, is a natural performer who has been taking voice lessons for less than a year. Victoria Xikes put on a dazzling performance at the annual Stars of
Tomorrow competition at the Lone Tree Arts Center in March singing
“Mother Knows Best.”
By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Joni Xikes
The 11th annual Stars of Tomorrow by the Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock held its final competition on Saturday, March 7 at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Five of Douglas County’s most talented students were awarded cash scholarships, which included Castle Pines’ very own resident of HOA1, Victoria Xikes.
A fifth grader at American Academy (AA), Xikes was awarded for her singing skills after performing “Mother Knows Best” from the Disney movie Tangled to a nearly full house. This year, each performer in the finals was given individual direction before their performances which, combined with the professional sound and lighting, enhanced the aura of hitting the big time.
Xikes has had a passion for singing since she was a baby. Mom Joni Xikes remarked, “With Victoria attending Greek school in Denver, which she really doesn’t like, we decided to let her do something additional that we knew she would enjoy. So we started her in voice lessons last June.” Xikes’ voice instructor was the one who encouraged Xikes to audition for the Stars of Tomorrow competition.
Kiwanis event organizer Ron Clausen observed, “This year’s competition raised the bar another notch. The really noticeable difference to me was demonstrated by Victoria’s professionalism. I was awed by the inflection and quality of her voice plus her stage presence. I was taken aback that she is only in the fifth grade!”
Xikes and younger sister Natalie, a second grader at AA, will both be performing in the upcoming AA musical “Seussical” also at the Lone Tree Arts Center later this month. Xikes will have her first major role as Mrs. Mayor of Whoville while her younger sister will be one of the backup performers.
Xikes reflected, “The Stars of Tomorrow talent show was a great experience. It was an exciting night for me and my family, especially since it was only my second talent show. The Kiwanis Club put on a really professional event. The club members were so nice and helpful to me – from the auditions to the night of the show. They are a great group of people!”
For more information about the Stars of Tomorrow competition, visit the Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock website at www.kiwanisatcastlerock.org or call 303-475-6130.
