The Elizabeth Dole Foundation hosts Virtual Talent Contest for Military Kids

Washington, D.C. – The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is hosting  a virtual watch party of the finalists in the “Military Kids Have Talent” contest Friday, July 31 at 8PM EST Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Facebook page.

“Military Kids Have Talent” spotlights the children and survivors of our nation’s military service members and veterans. Hosted by Actor Jocko Sims (Jarhead, The Last Ship, New Amsterdam), the talent contest will highlight these amazing young people during a time when many milestones and celebrations have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Military kids from across the country submitted recordings of performances for the Foundation’s finalist selection. From Charlotte, N.C., to Okinawa, Japan, the 38 finalists in five age groups exhibit talents including solo and group vocal performances, dance performances, and comedy. The full list of finalists is below.

“COVID-19 has created more uncertainty in the daily lives of military kids,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “We are excited to be able to recognize them for who they are, and give them a chance to have fun sharing their special talents.”

Following the virtual watch party, Americans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite talents through 12 PM EST on Friday, August 14. Text to vote information will be shown on screen during the finale episode. After the live watch party, the finale will be available to view on hiddenheroes.org/talent.

For interviews with one of the finalists or a member of the Foundation’s leadership team, please contact Austin Courtney at Austin@elizabethdolefoundation.org.

Military Kids Have Talent Finalists 

• Kormeri Sohui Jones- Enterprise, Ala. 
• Liesl Speal- Ozaark, Ala. 
• Delilah Ellsworth- Riverside, CA
• Mia Butler- Oceanside, Ca. 
• Abner Coseme- Winter Garden, Fl. 
• Callen Matejka- Key West, Fl. 
• Chloe Fortwangler- Wesley Chapel, Fl.
• Cristopher Beck- Crescent City, Fl. 
• Maximus Beck- Crescent City, Fl. 
• Millie Reber- Niceville, Fl. 
• So'Maiya Smith- Midland, Ga. 
• Tristan and Jason Zgonc- Decatur, Ga. 
• Raegan Lawson- Greenwood, Ind. 
• Zyion Harris- Okinawa, Japan
• Jarvin Gomez- Manhattan, Kan.
• Liberty Sittner- Monroe, La. 
• Kathryn and Abigail Ostan- Clinton, Md.
• Maiya Lindsay- Fort Meade, Md. 
• Zachary Ayers- Windsor, Mo. 
• Cameron Davis- Jacksonville, N.C.
• Mikaella & Milan Arrington- Charlotte, N.C.
• Wyatt, Shane, Luke, Heidi Winchester- Fayetteville, N.C.
• Ian Collins- Santa Fe, N.M.
• Addyson Tabankin- Rexford, N.Y. 
• Audrey Bitonti- Malvene, N.Y. 
• Sarah Brandle, Johnstown, Pa. 
• Jordan Varner- Moncks Corner, S.C.
• Leilani Monroe, Alana Monroe, Masina Monroe- Alcoa, Tenn.
• Elizabeth and Katherine Buentello-San Antonio, Texas
• Levi Brewster- College Station, Texas
• Luke Eggert Killeen, Texas
• Sam Hanna- Waxahachie, Texas
• Sephrya and Lashandra Hallett, Kingsville, Texas
• Teandra Jackson-, Killeen, Texas
• Jazmin Nunez- Stafford, Va. 
• Quentin Jones- Virginia Beach, Va. 
• Jullian Roman- Silverdale, Wash.

About the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Hidden Heroes

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers – the spouses, parents, family members, and friends — who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured service members and Veterans at home. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and promote their well-being. The Foundation’s Hidden Heroes campaign brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and provides a network for military caregivers to connect with their peers and access carefully vetted resources. Visit www.hiddenheroes.org for more information.