Elwood’s Glenn Variety Show Raises $5K For Senior Class

ELWOOD, NY — Elwood-John H. Glenn High School held its annual Glenn Variety Show senior class fundraiser at the JGHS Performing Arts Center on Jan. 10, the school district announced.

Directed by Nicole Gendjoian, the show provides students the opportunity to showcase their personalities and talents through various skits, singing, dancing and creative costumes.

The event raised more than $5,000 from ticket sales and raffles, which was donated directly to the senior class to help with prom and banquet expenses.

Ten senior contestants — Carmine Gerbino, Cooper Knorr, Ethan Levy, Cole Madden, Oliver Miller, Nick Palisciano, David Rafiq, Nolan Reinhardt, Anthony Soto, Matt Triolo — competed this year, with Triolo being named the winning Mr. Glenn.

Lillie Polese, Sierra Roizman, Caroline Weiss and Gul Zahra served as emcees.

The show’s material ranged from comical walkouts and conspiracy theories to inspirational speeches and reminiscences on middle school rivalries. Highlights included Miller’s magic act, Triolo’s cooking show and a musical performance by Knorr featuring math teacher Vincenzo Berto on drums.

There was a Palisciano brother face-off featuring Sensei Rosem and an interview video featuring various Glenn faculty members, as well as a dance finale choreographed by Syvonna Rubin and Vanessa Weissberg.

"Winning Mr. Glenn was an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish," Triolo said in a news release. "Participating in such a vibrant and entertaining variety show was very exciting, from allowing me to make new friends with different people to doing a new thing with some of my closest friends. None of this would be possible without Ms. Gendjoian. Her efforts truly brought the best out of everyone involved. The journey was more than just a competition, it was an opportunity to have fun and make unforgettable memories."

Zahra said having the opportunity to emcee the Glenn Show this year contributed "unforgettable memories to my senior year."

"It was a great time with the best cast, who truly made coming to rehearsal fun," Zahra said.