This year’s “Ship’s Got Talent” event on Wednesday night showcased just how talented Shippensburg University students really are. 

The event was a little different than in previous years. Instead of performances being narrowed down over several days, all the performances were held in one night and the audience voted for the winner. 

The first performance that kicked off the show was sophomore Kendra Cason singing “House of the Rising Sun,” originally by The Animals. Cason swayed to the music, and there were cheers in the crowd as she effortlessly belted out her lovely rendition of the song. 

Following Cason was freshman Samantha Smith, who sang Christina Aguilera’s song “Beautiful.” There was a collective cheer when the song choice was announced, which gave Smith the confidence she needed to sing her way flawlessly through the song. 

Elite Modeling Troupe followed Smith’s performance with pink skirts and sky-high boots. They fiercely danced from song to song with scenes from “Mean Girls” in between, and ended with each member doing their own sassy runway strut.  

After Elite Modeling Troupe was senior Samantha May, who sang Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman.” The audience was captivated as she confidently strutted around the stage and sung her heart out. 

Next was freshman Michael Permyashkin with his rendition of “Back To My Ways,” originally by John Vincent III. As he strolled out onto the stage with his guitar in hand, the crowd went wild, especially the ladies. His voice was so pure and calming as the melody flowed from his guitar. 

Following Permyashkin was sophomore Jordan Cassatt who sang “Riptide,” originally by Vance Joy, accompanied by her ukulele. Cassatt sounded angelic and the crowd went wild as she hit every note like a pro. 

The last performance of the night was senior Brandon Morgan, who drummed to “Misery Business,” by Paramore. Morgan rocked out and the crowd went wild when he mic-dropped his drumsticks. If anyone was getting even remotely tired, they were surely jolted awake by Morgan’s performance. 

After all of the performances were done, those in attendance could vote for first, second and third place. The crowd cheered as each winner was announced — Permyashkin in third place with a prize of $50, Elite Modeling Troupe in second place with a prize of $200 and Cassatt in first place with a prize of $300.

Cassatt said the experience was nerve-wracking, but she was glad all of her friends were there for support, which was apparent as a section erupted in cheers whenever she was on stage. She started playing ukulele in high school after she realized she wanted to learn how to play guitar. 

“The girl who won, Jordan, was awesome. It was like I was watching American Idol in real life,” SU student Jensen Swartz, said.

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