Poland teen puts her best voice forward

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Neighbors | Submitted.Poland Middle School student Brittany Best will compete in the finals of the GSO Rising Star singing Competition April 23 at Thiel College. She is the only Ohioan left in the field.

Poland’s Brittany Best has talent and it’s taking her to new heights.

The 14-year-old singer is one of the finalists in the GSO Rising Star Competition at Thiel College in Greenville, Pa. Best is the only Ohioan remaining in the field. The finals show is April 23 at Thiel in the Passavant Center.

“It’s a big deal,” said Best, who is an eighth-grader at Poland Middle School.

“It always feels good getting to the final round of any competition. Just to make it this far at a college where there are professionals just makes me feel like maybe I do have what it takes to make it anywhere.

“As far as being the only Ohio person left, it’s weird because I am used doing local competitions. Being the outsider is kind of strange.

In addition to just competing against some top singing talent, Best hopes to take home a nice prize package.

The winner of the competition earns a savings bond, a chance to perform along with the Greenville Symphony and the opportunity to perform at Kennywood this summer.

Singing competition is nothing new to Best. She has been performing with Easy Street Productions for the last 10 years and Liz Rubino Studios for past three years. She has also entered several talent shows. Best’s passion for performing is something she hopes will carry her to bigger and better things in the future.

“My goal in life is to be on stage somewhere,” Best said. “I would love to be on Broadway someday. If that doesn’t work, possibly a drama therapist, although I will never stop trying.

“I am fortunate to have a very supportive family and friends, especially my mother who has been with me for all these years. I am also grateful for the gift that God has given me.”

As for the contest at Thiel, Best needs community support. In addition to the judges’ decisions, the audience at the finals will be able to vote for the winner.

“I need everyone’s help out there in this final round because the audience will also be voting,” said Best.

“That means being the only Ohio person, I don’t have too many friends there. If the judges’ votes are close, the audience will be the deciding factor.”

The show is April 23 at Thiel College’s Passavant Center. The cost is $10. For information or tickets, call Judy Eckler at 724-588-6164.