CFI Kidsfest Talent Show winners

During the weekend of March 2-4, Children & Families of Iowa held its inaugural Kidsfest, presented by Veridian Credit Union, youth Talent Show.

This amateur competition featured performances by Iowa youth vying to be recognized among Iowa’s most talented and two participants took home grand prizes of $1,000. The second place winners received prizes of $500 each. The prize money was generously donated by Belin McCormick and an anonymous donor.

In the senior age group, first place was won by Nikolas Skurdahl, of Newton. Skurdahl performed a hip-hop dance routine in the pop and lock style.

“I have been perfecting my dancing for the past 10 years,” Skurdahl said.

Second place in the senior division was captured by Matthew Puhl, who completed a Taekwondo Double bo staff routine.

“I am ecstatic,” Puhl said. “It was wonderful, after all of these years of hard work, to have my double bo staff routine appreciated outside of taekwondo. I am really looking forward to competing again next year.”

The junior division was won by Madeline Davis, performing the song “Good Morning Baltimore” from the Broadway show “Hairspray.”

“This is the first big prize I’ve won,” Davis said. “Now I have more confidence to try out for other things. I plan to spend a little of the money, give some to my church and put the rest in the bank. Thank you!”

Second place in the junior division was awarded to Katherine Zihala. She did a tap dancing routine.

“Believing in yourself and in your abilities will be rewarded. I am encouraged to keep working harder on my talents. I am proud of myself,” Zihala said.

After visiting with some of the performers, Amy Stapp-Arpy, CFI’s Chief Development Officer and Vice President of Development, was impressed with their level of dedication and courage.

“The talent show provided a wonderful opportunity for area youth to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities,” she said.