Volume XXX, Number 11
November 27, 2009
Seminole Star Search Showcases Tribal Talent
BY JUDY WEEKS - Staff Reporter
IMMOKALEE — The walls of
the Entertainment Pavilion at the Immokalee
Casino vibrated from the music of
the performers and the cheers of the audience
as the 2009 Seminole Star Search
winners, Preston Osceola, Sheree Sneed
and Tori Osceola, took center stage to
showcase their talents on the evening of
Nov. 5.
Seminole Star Search is a program
sanctioned by the Tribal Council and
implemented through the Seminole Heritage
Events and Promotions Dept. to assist
Tribal citizens in their desire to excel
in the entertainment business.
As a 2008 grand prize winner David
Billy has established a new career by
joining the Seminole Star Search team
and becoming a vehicle to assist others
in achieving their goals.
Acting as emcee for the showcase
event, Billy echoed the sentiments of
SHEP Director Micki Free, when he
said: “Our goal is to show the world
that Native Americans
can do more than just
play fl utes and drums.
The only limits that we
have are those that we
impose upon ourselves
and as ambassadors,
we plan to reach for the
stars.”
Billy continued,
“Speaking on behalf of
the 2008-2009 Seminole
Star Search grand
prize winners, we want
to thank the Seminole
Tribe of Florida for
their support and show
our gratitude to you,
our audience, family
members and friends
who make it all worthwhile.”
to join him on the
stage, Billy presented
him with a Hard Rock
guitar in recognition of
his years of encouragement
and endorsement
of Seminole entertainers
and the Tribal Star
Search and Native Music Rocks programs.
“This is a worthwhile program and I
would like to see it continue to bring opportunities
to our next generation,” Nelson
said. “My son is a novice musician
with a lot of potential and thanks to Star
Search, he has been able to share in the
experiences and knowledge of his mentors
and teachers. Obviously, everyone
can’t make a career in entertainment,
but everyone that participates in the program
is a winner in one way or another.”
Leading into an evening of stellar
performances, the 2009 winners provided
opening presentations for the showcase.
Budding young musician Preston
Osceola played a guitar solo of his own
composition and then displayed his newfound
vocal talents. A product of the Star
Search Music Camps, Osceola brought
natural talent to the stage and benefi ted
from the curriculum which allowed him
to expand his abilities.
Sheree Sneed displayed an awesome
stage presence as she wowed the
audience with two outstanding vocal
presentations in a row and worked the
stage as though it had always been her
home.
Off stage, Tori Osceola, 11, is a shy,
timid young lady who likes to keep a
low profi le. However, once she steps out
into the limelight, she is comfortable and
knows how to get the job done. As she
sings, she puts her whole being into the
music and shares a part of herself with
the audience.
The 2008 winners have been taking
advantage of every possible opportunity
to enhance their musical talents, develop
an enviable style and stage presence and
have obviously found the key to the door
of the future
David Billy is accompanied by a band
that allows him to explore various genres
including rock and roll and country western,
where he obviously excels. Watching
him on stage, it is no secret that he loves
what he is doing.
Fellow 2008 winner Paula Bowers-
Sanchez owns the stage the minute she
steps onto the platform. Her extraordinary
voice and distinctive style captivate her
audience as she travels from one musical
venue to another. Displaying her versatility,
Bowers-Sanchez has added two Spanish
songs to her repertoire.
When Hank Nelson Sr. called his son
and 2008 winner, Hank Jr., a “novice,”
he was showing humility. This talented
young country western artist has unlimited
potential and the ambition to strive for
success. An outstanding performer, he makes the best
use of his band and energizes his audience.
There is no doubt that the Seminole Star Search
winners are true ambassadors of the program and all
share one thing in common, the talent and enthusiasm
for a bright future in the world of entertainment.