America invited to watch ‘Military Kids Have Talent’

Nationwide vote will decide kids with top talent

Washington, D.C. (July 29, 2021) – The Elizabeth Dole Foundation will broadcast a virtual watch party for the second annual, “Military Kids Have Talent” contest, Thursday, July 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Hosted by actor Jocko Sims (Jarhead, The Last Ship, New Amsterdam), the contest will showcase the extraordinary talent of the children and survivors of our nation’s service members and veterans. Following the broadcast, Americans will have the chance to cast their vote for the most talented kids. Register to watch here. Audiences can rewatch the virtual contest on https://hiddenheroes.org/resources/hiddenhelpers/military-kids-have-talent/ after it's aired.

Military kids from across the country and around the world submitted recordings of performances. From Kansas City, Mo., to Camp Humphreys, South Korea, the 30 finalists exhibit talents in solo and group performances including musical performances, dance performances, wrestling and cooking. The full list of finalists is below.

Winners of the five age group categories and the group performance category will receive a free family vacation to Universal Studios in Orlando, courtesy of contests sponsors Comcast NBCUniversal and American Airlines.

“Military kids, especially our nation’s hidden helpers, represent the patriotism, selflessness, and bravery that makes America so special,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Through Military Kids Have Talent, an emotional and recreational outlet for kids and their families, we’re thrilled to spotlight our country’s youngest heroes and celebrate the unique talents they have to offer.”

Following the virtual watch party, Americans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite talents in each category on hiddenheroes.org/vote. Voting will close Thursday, August 16.

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

The 2021 finalists are:

Age 0-6

• Shiv K., 16 months- Biloxi, Mississippi (Spinning Objects)
• Kenzie McMillian, 4- Salem, Ohio (Dancing)
• Savannah Zizza-Pope, 4- Robins Air Force Base, Georgia (Singing)
• Colton Lane Flohe, 5- Chesapeake, Virginia (Singing)
• Leiyah Skye, 5- Hampton, Virginia (Singing)

Age 7-9

• Levi George, 7- Pensacola, Florida (Broadway Monologue)
• Kalea Francheska, 7- Hampton, Virginia (Singing)
• Aniyah Seaberry, 9- Woodbridge, Virginia (Piano)
• Jack Kramer, 7- Liberty Lake, Washington (Dancing)
• Alina Pham, 7- Glendora, California (Rubkis Cube)

Age 10-11

• Emily Tranotti, 11- Halfmoon, New York (Piano)
• Peyton Hernandez, 10- Kansas City, Missouri (Gymnastics)
• Luke Eggert, 10- Killeen, Texas (Violin)
• Jackson Gilbeau, 10- Dalla, Georgia (Guitar)
• Lina Amigleo, 10- Alexandria, Virigina (Singing/Ukulele)

Age 12-14

• Nathan HiImer, 13- Yelm, Washington (Trumpet)
• Morgan Willis, 12-Satellite Beach, Florida (Music)
• Peyton Carson, 13- Emory, Texas (Dancing)
• Illyria Escher, 14- Fultonville, New York (Singing)
• Joshua Berryman, 14- Camp Humphreys, South Korea (Drums)

Age 15-18

• Aliyanah Rogers, 17- Gainsville, Georgia (Wrestling)
• Palmer Moore, 15- Burke, Virginia (Cooking)
• Alissa Chapman, 15- Chesapeake, Virginia (Singing)
• Sonia Horta, 18- Alburquerque, New Mexico (Singing)
• Chase Randall, 17- Valdez, Alaska (Singing)

Group Performances

• Zeyva and Ronin Goodman, 3 and 4- Arvada, Colorado (Biking)
• The Catagnus Sisters, 5-6 - Eagleville, Pennsylvania (Singing/Sign Language)
• The Tello Sisters, 6-9- Murrieta, California (Music)
• The Anderson Family, 8-14- Orcutt, California (Taekwondo)
• Giovanni and Givon Johnson, 8 and 10- Harrisburg, North Carolina (Singing/Dancing)