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| Volume XXIII Number 2 | February 1, 2002 |
Seminole Youth Spencer Battiest Sings National Anthem At Panther Game
By Ernie TigerSAWGRASS - On Jan. 16, Seminole Eco-Tourism officials and the Billie Swamp Safari staff met at the National Car Rental Center during the Florida Panthers hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
They were there to promote the Seminole Tribe’s eco-tourism facilities and watch the first Tribal member Spencer Battiest and youngest to ever perform the National Anthem in front of some 17,000 attendees that night.
In addition, the Seminole Tribe’s Princess, Mercedes Osceola, was also featured at the night’s game. She was introduced to the crowd perched atop the Zamboni at the second quarter of the game.
The Billie Swamp wildlife handlers who attended the game brought a sample of what animals can be encountered on the Billie Swamp Eco-Tours. An indigenous Panther and a Red Tail Hawk were positioned in front of the National Car Rental Center entrance.
The wildlife handlers educated spectators on the importance of the animal’s presence to the Everglades environment and tried to maintain a stress-free environment for each animal being viewed. The rare opportunities to see these animals were provided by the Billie Swamp Safari and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki and Okalee Museums.
The night’s Hockey Panther fans were also treated to a special performance by the talented gospel singer Spencer Battiest. Spencer sang the National Anthem before the large crowd of 17,000 attendees plus, gracefully without hesitation or breaks, despite distractions from the crowd, who applauded and whistled throughout his performance.
Spencer, 11, has pursing his career since he was four. He got started into the singing field after his father, Junior Battiest, saw that his son was interested.
"I don’t try to find my children’s talent and push it on them. I let them find it and let them pursue it, if they show interest in any field I help them as much as I possibly can to reach their full potential," said Battiest.
"Spencer also enjoys painting and drawing, I hope he balances all of his talents. But like I said before, he will have to make his own decision."
Spencer is no stranger to performing in front of large crowds, he once traveled with his church to North Bahamas Island where they sang in a revival. He has also sung solo in many performances at his school, the Chickee Christian Academy.
Singing has been the primary focus of this youth, who has reached levels that some practice all their lives to reach. With the right management and marketing, this inspiring Seminole youth will be able to use his God-given talents to accomplish anyhting.
"The Seminole Tribe would also like to congratulate this youth on his present and future accomplishments at such a young age. We are happy that we have been blessed with such a talented youth to represent the Tribe," said Big Cypress Councilman David Cypress.
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