By Jacelyn Hamamoto

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The class of 2015 hosted the annual Brown Bags to Stardom Competition on March 8, featuring numerous performances by dancers, solo singers and bands. A wide variety of talent was on display, but it was Kids with Attitude, Strangers with Kandy, Genny Kay and 2nd Legacy that placed for their overall categories.

“I don’t know what the word is, but the feeling of, ‘I never thought I could do this,’ like, I’m amazed that I accomplished this,” said Kids with Attitude dancer Sophomore Bryce Lagua.

Lagua is one of the five dancers that make up Kids with Attitude, a hip hop dance crew that has been dancing for over three years. They auditioned for Brown Bags to showcase their talent. “I thought it would be fun, something to enjoy and we wanted to show and exhibit our talents and our passion for dance,” said Lagua.

It wasn’t just dance skills that earned a top spot in the competition; a voice able to make others want to dance went a long way as well. Senior Genevieve Castaneda, known by her stage name Genny Kay, won first for overall solo singer after going up against two other vocalists. “I honestly think that the other singers were better vocally because they’re both trained,” said Castaneda. “But performing, it was the greatest thing.”

This being Castaneda’s third time performing at Brown Bags, the win was a big one. “I was trying really hard not to cry because (my makeup) isn’t waterproof, so I was like, I couldn’t believe it.” Castaneda has been performing in a group since her sophomore year, yet realized her potential when she became a solo act.“I realized that what I was doing wasn’t making me happy, so this year I said, ‘New Year’s resolution: it’s about no one else, I gotta focus on me,” said Castaneda.

Strangers with Kandy is a punk band that formed about a year ago, playing numerous gigs in local bars, playing at the Blaisdell center and the MHS carnival. Going up against other bands, the band had mixed emotions after winning. “I thought that there was an error,” said Bass player Senior Alexander Nims. “I was like what, are we the crowd favorite? That’s what I thought,” said drummer Senior Michael Mollohan.

Though winning was a surprise to all contestants, Strangers with Kandy experienced a once in a lifetime opportunity, an encounter with a manager. “There are a few tours going around and that we could maybe get on. Nothing is set in stone just yet so it’s all just hypothetical for now” said guitarist Junior Kyle Bergeron. Nims continued, “It’s a really exciting proposition still, so we’re really excited for that.”

The victories stemmed from rigorous training. “Practice, practice practice. Just practice at least twice every week or every other week because all of us are so busy with school and that,” said Lagua.

The contestants who won will continue to follow their dreams and compete in the state competition.