The diverse group of vocally-talented contestants faced an enthusiastic audience and the judgments of Rowan President Donald Farish, senior journalism major and The Whit Editor-In-Chief Emily Kostic and Rowan alumni “Stink” Fisher (owner of Pop Shop and actor in “The Lovely Bones”), in hopes of being voted winner of the $300 first place prize.

The end result was junior secondary education and English major Dan Wythoff of Mt. Laurel, N.J. taking first place, while freshman health and physical education major Becky Derer of Cherry Hill, N.J. came in second and band members Ross Iskowitz, Jason Moffatt, senior business management major, and Jed Blume, senior English, philosophy and religion major, placed third. Iskowitz, Moffat and Blume, veteran Rowan event performers, performed “If Not Me.”

The stage setting consisted of black draping and dim lighting that showcased colored spotlights accompanied by theme music that resembled the catchy tunes of TV’s favorite talent search shows. It was a job well done by the Rowan Television Network, who offered a personable, yet real life setting.

The night began with the very talented Derer, who shocked the crowd with her strong rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee,” proving that big things can come in small packages. Derer has done a few open mics around the area.

She was followed by savvy soloist and senior theater major Andrew Clotworthy from Maryland, and rap duo Dan Hooker, senior communications studies major, and Justin Piccillo, junior civil engineering major, who gave a performance that intertwined rap and song in a harmonious fashion, leaving an impression on the audience.

Next was the ever-so-sweet Wythoff, who serenaded the audience with his own acoustic rendition of the Outkast song “Hey Ya.” While his performance was laid back and somewhat casual, it was a powerhouse hit with the audience.

Lifelong singer and junior communications major Shana Schmoyer of Newark, Del. chose a theatrical rendition of the Taylor Swift hit song, “You Belong With Me,” accompanied by guitarist Jason Selvaggio, gathering her confidence midway through and ending with strong performance.

“All Day,” consisting of Joe Penn of Sicklerville, N.J., and Jimmy, Kyle and Dana Cappana of Glassboro, N.J. were next and undoubtedly proved to be the crowd pleaser of the night. Performing an original song that presented a catchy tune and listener friendly lyrics, it was no surprise that by the end of the act the audience was singing along with the band.

Next on stage, duo Angela Tofani, senior radio/TV/film major and journalism minor, and Mandy DiPietro, junior theater major, gave a soulful, yet playful rendition of the Sara Bareilles song, “Vegas.” Singing together for two years, the duet showed why two voices are way better than one. They won the “People’s Choice Award” for Gloucester County’s Got Talent last month.

Last but definitely not least, the band Ross performed an original piece that showcased sounds of African drums and the strong, yet soothing voice of their lead singer.

The contestants weren’t the only ones putting on a show Monday night. Rowan’s mascot, the Prof, was a huge hit. With each intercession, the Prof shimmied and gyrated through the audience, hyping the crowd. The Prof even got the judges engaged when he ran around their table messing up their hair, paying extra special attention to Farish.

By the end of the show, all of the performances led to the verdict of a winner being close to impossible. With so many talented artists, it was going to be up to the audience to vote for their favorite. Over 275 text messages voted to cast a winner.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better show,” said senior radio/TV/film major and host of the show Ashley Zazzarino. “As for the performances, everyone was so different and talented; I couldn’t even predict the top three.”

While all of the contestants were not able to be named as winners at Monday night’s showcase, it’s fair to say without question, Rowan’s got talent.

The answer to the infamous question, “What should I get her or him,” has been answered. A beauty gift… yes, that’s right.  It’s a sure fire hit with almost all women and even your average guy. Believe it or not, they care about their skin too.  I mean who can turns down a free pampering session?

Renowned “Today Show” style expert and E! beauty correspondent Bobbie Thomas has come to the rescue with creative, budget-friendly gift ideas that are not only easy on your wallet, but sure to keep that special someone smiling all year long.

The first item on the list is a coupon or gift certificate to a spa or your local beauty or nail salon. This is a gift that almost anyone can enjoy and since you can purchase the amount for however much you decide, it works with any budget.

If you’re more into personalized gifts, creating a “spa stocking” or beauty basket is creative and can cost the same amount, if not less than a gift certificate.

“Look for double duty beauty products and try to find low maintenance and carefree products for the holiday season,” said Thomas in a phone interview. “Overall, you can give them more bang for your buck. It’s creative because it has a lot of thought.”

Specifically for the ladies, Thomas suggests filling the stocking with goodies such as mud masks, cucumber eye pads or Burt’s Bees products. Even daily-used products like the Venus spa breeze razor, which she calls “amazing,” or the acclaimed Neutrogena wave cleanser that comes in an array of colors at the price of $15.99 are great ideas for Christmas gifts.

So stress no longer and drive by your local mall with a smile. While you’re out picking up these products for your friends and families, grab a couple for yourself. Beauty products and services are things that we not only need, but enjoy using. Its gifts like these that keep on giving the whole year through. Happy Holidays!

Assistant journalism professor Dr. Candace Kelley has offered a bit of reprieve from the daily hustle of life at Rowan through her weekly program, “League of the Extraordinary.”

At 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Kelley presents the life journeys of amazing people who have learned important lessons along the way, providing them a chance to share their story.

“I have been in news for 15 years, and along the way I have met a lot of interesting people, but they are never going to be on the news,” Kelley said. “I came by a lot of great stories but there was nowhere to put them. When given the opportunity for the show, I knew this was my platform to showcase them.”

According to Kelley, the subjects of her presentations are common people whose stories make you say, “my God, they are interesting.”

The first show gave the audience an eye-opening view into the life of an immigrant and the daunting process it is to make it into this country. It also gave a look into the story of an orthodox Jew-now-turned-bishop of African-American Pentecostal Church. There is always a significant lesson to be learned.

“There is a facet, or slice of everyone life that someone else can learn from,” Kelley said.

The show is genuine in its delivery, holding no bars when sharing these experiences. Kelley asks tough questions to bring out compelling stories.

“I ask why and how, and what that person had to go through,” Kelley said. “I ask questions that are uncomfortable. There is a certain level of respect when you hear what people had to go through in order to get where they are today.

“Most people have a story to tell, but when there is no blood, or guns or violence it’s not going to be in the Gloucester County Times or UPN News. This show and other shows like it gives people the opportunity to tell their stories.”

Access Kelley’s weekly podcasts by going to rowan.edu/onthego.