VIRGINIA BEACH–Gamma Xi Chapter, Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in Virginia Beach, held its annual Talent Hunt at the beautiful Zeider’s American Dream Theater on March 1. Seven area high school students performed, competing for $1000 in total cash awards from the Gamma Xi Uplift Foundation (GXUF) and the opportunity to represent the chapter at the fraternity’s Third District Meeting in Northern Virginia in April. The first place prize went to vocalist Kaylea Manners, age 16, from Smithfield High School and the Governors School. Violinist, Eden Crumbly, age 15, is a home-schooled 10th grader and earned the second place award. Third place went to vocalist Emily Coyle, age 17. She is in the 11th grade at the Governor’s School of the Arts. Other contestants were: Kailyn Alexander, Devonte Melton, Breyauna Avents and Da’Ryan Artis.

During the program, the chapter paid a special audio-visual tribute to long-time Talent Hunt judge, the late Brother Lamont Huffaker. His son, Lamont Huffaker, Jr played a drum solo honoring his percussionist father, and a plaque was presented to his family. This year, Brother Huffaker was replaced by Jasmine Young, a former Miss Virginia and two-time Gamma Xi Talent Hunt winner. She joined returning judges, Kaye Evans and John Ickes. Brother David J. Whitted, judge of Chesapeake’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court served as emcee. Brother Owen Nixon is the Talent Hunt committee chairman. Brother Dr. Keenan Davis is the Basileus of Gamma Xi Chapter.