Dr. Glenda Garrett , Veree Jenkins, Rev. Willie Lawrence, Brandy Shaw, and Terry Booty with Elijah Jackson, instrumental honorarium recipient.
April 18, 2024 – The inaugural Riviera Beach Youth Explosion on April 6, 2024, at the United House of Prayer drew 225 attendees to a talent extravaganza showcasing the incredible youth singers, dancers, and instrumentalists from Lake Park, Riviera Beach, and West Palm Beach. Over 80 youth aged 5-18 delivered eleven outstanding performances, including choirs, groups, and solo acts to entertain the awe-struck audience and compete for cash prizes ranging from $200 to $500.
Judges Edwin Ferguson and Marsha Andrews from the School District of Palm Beach County and Shirley Lanier, Doug Lawson, and Julia Botel of the Riveria Beach City Council chose the winners in song, dance, and instrumental categories among a sea of talent.
The winners, all from Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach, were:
Singing
- 1st Place – Seanna Simmons
- 2nd Place – Nathan Butler
- 3rd Place – Caleb, Gabriel, and Jokim Washington
- Honorarium – Grace Rhoden
Dance
- 1st Place – Faith’s Place Jubilant Dancers
- 2nd Place – RJH Praisers, R.J. Hendley Christian Community School
Instrumental
- 1st Place – Faith’s Place Marching Line
- 2nd Place – Jeremiah Aboderin
- 3rd Place – Nathaniel Gayle
- Honorarium – Elijah Jackson
- Honorarium – Travis Jackson II
The Riveria Beach Youth Explosion was organized by Rev. Willie Lawrence and Eld. Joel Simmons of Tenacity Foundation. Palm Health Foundation sponsored the event in support of the arts’ effects on the brain to promote health and wellbeing. Several organizations also contributed to the success of the event, including the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, the Florida Department of Children and Families, Urban Farmers, Inc., and Federation of Families of Florida, Inc. The United House of Prayer For All People provided the event location and volunteer staff.
Organizers and sponsors see the competition as an important opportunity for youth to showcase their gifts and talents to positively impact their development. Organizers are seeking connections for the youth in the local arts and music community where they can continue to advance their talent.
“The Youth Explosion is a way for the community to come together to celebrate the incredible creativity and talent of our young residents while boosting their confidence,” said Rev. Willie Lawrence. “We want to support their passions and offer them a pathway to pursue their dreams, knowing there is an entire community rallying behind them.”
Dignitaries and local leaders attending the event included:
- Community leaders: Mack Bernard, PBC Board of County Commissioners; Riviera Beach Mayor Ron Felder; Ms. J. Brown, Assistant to Mayor
- Business leaders: Terry Booty, President and CEO, Urban Farmers , Inc.; C. Ron Allen, Aviation Specialist and Local Community Youth Leader/Mentor; Njeri Kinyanjui, CEO and Serial Entrepreneur of American Businesses
- Musicians/talent connections: Reggie Dee, 104.7; Davy Yue; and Sharon & Willie Spence, Sr., parents of Willie Spence, the runner-up in season 19 of American Idol, who passed away in 2022
The next Youth Explosion will be held on June 22nd at 6pm in Belle Glade.
About Palm Health Foundation
Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health. With the support of donors and a focus on results, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, respects diverse opinions, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors, and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all backgrounds, heritage, education, incomes, and states of well-being. Palm Health Foundation has invested more than $93 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.