Shining Star CLE

Shining Star CLE A solo singing competition for Northeast Ohio teens. Winners receive scholarships. Public, private and home-schooled students are eligible.

Proceeds benefit a broad range of Mandel JCC programs and services including Healthy Aging Adults, Youth, Arts & Culture and Scholarships. A Northeast Ohio favorite since 2017, Shining Star CLE is a unique solo singing competition allowing Northeast Ohio high school students to compete for college scholarships. The Finals, a competition for the top 10 finalists, is held at Playhouse Square in fron

t of a live audience and judged by a panel of professional performers. All high school students who have a 2025-2028 graduation date and who live in the following counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne. All genres of music are welcome and participation is free. Shining Star CLE is now a program of Mandel JCC. You can expect the same amazing event as in previous years. In addition to showcasing the region's teens and providing scholarships to winners and schools, Shining Star CLE is the major fundraising event for Mandel JCC and supports a broad range of Mandel JCC programs and services including Healthy Aging Adults, Youth, Arts & Culture and Scholarships.

10/28/2025

McKinley High School senior Dajeun Dickerson Jr. is gaining regional attention for his musical performances. See link below ⬇️ bit.ly/48NQEBx

Shining Star CLE 2025 reminded us why the arts are so important to The J and our community. The finalists showcased hard...
09/18/2025

Shining Star CLE 2025 reminded us why the arts are so important to The J and our community. The finalists showcased hard work, courage and extraordinary talent, while The Mandel JCC’s Playmakers Youth Theatre children reminded us of the joy that comes from simply being on stage. We are proud to share these moments with you. Join us in thanking our sponsors and everyone who helped make this amazing event possible!⭐️

Photo Credits: Nathalie Rose Photography

09/10/2025

Talent. Passion. Community. This past Sunday’s Shining Star CLE 2025 competition was a celebration of all three! Every voice told a story, every song left a mark. Didn’t make it to the show this year? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a highlight reel featuring every student’s performance that night. For the full experience, click this link https://bit.ly/42qYo8q and watch the full show on our YouTube channel!⭐️

Finalist Spotlight ⭐️Ananya Yadati⭐️Ananya Yadati is a senior at Hathaway Brown. She has a passion for music and has p...
09/06/2025


Finalist Spotlight
⭐️Ananya Yadati⭐️

Ananya Yadati is a senior at Hathaway Brown. She has a passion for music and has pursued it from a young age. She loves participating in Shining Star CLE and she made the Top 10 in 2022 and 2024. She performed at a concert for the Beachwood Arts Council in June 2025. Last year, Ananya wonthe Dazzle Award for “Best Supporting Actress” for her portrayal of Glinda in The Wiz and received the “Excellence in Performing Arts Award” from Hathaway Brown in 2024. In addition to singing, Ananya is committed to playing the piano and participating in debate. She would like to thank her teachers and family for supporting her musical journey throughout her life and Shining Star CLE for this wonderful opportunity.

Ready to see Ananya shine? Click the link, get your tickets and get ready to see her put on an amazing performance!⭐️ -> https://engage.mandeljcc.org/shiningstarcletickets

Finalist Spotlight ⭐️Katherine Thiele⭐️Katherine Thiele is a senior at Hudson High School, where she is an active memb...
09/05/2025


Finalist Spotlight
⭐️Katherine Thiele⭐️

Katherine Thiele is a senior at Hudson High School, where she is an active member of Chamber Choir, Drama Club, Vocal Impact, and the Jazz Band. Outside of school, she has sung with The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus and Chamber Chorus, placed Second in the Women’s Musical Theater category at NATS, and was a semifinalist in Shining Star CLE in 2023 and 2024. She was also a “Best Actress” nominee at the 2025 Dazzle Awards. Some of her favorite roles include Nala in The Lion King, Rapunzel in Into the Woods, and Persephone in Hadestown. When she is not performing, Katherine enjoys writing poetry, being a camp counselor, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She would like to thank her voice teacher Benjamin Czarnotta at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, choral director Jacob Moore, and drama director Bob Russell for their support and mentorship. Finally, she would like to thank her family for supporting her and Shining Star CLE for this wonderful opportunity.

Ready to see Katherine shine? Click the link, get your tickets and get ready to see her put on an amazing performance!⭐️
-> https://engage.mandeljcc.org/shiningstarcletickets

Finalist Spotlight ⭐️Anna Pastirik⭐️Anna Pastirik is a sophomore at Magnificat High School and is thrilled to be parti...
09/04/2025


Finalist Spotlight
⭐️Anna Pastirik⭐️

Anna Pastirik is a sophomore at Magnificat High School and is thrilled to be participating in Shining Star CLE for the first time. She has been involved in the performing arts since the age of four and her love for theater has blossomed. Anna’s favorite roles that she has played include Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Katherine Blake in Freaky Friday, and Eponine in Les Misérables: Teen Edition. Anna extends heartfelt thanks to her family and friends for always supporting her and her passion for the arts. Anna would like to thank the Shining Star CLE team for giving her and many other teens in the area this amazing opportunity.

Ready to see Anna shine? Click the link, get your tickets and get ready to see her put on an amazing performance!⭐️
-> https://engage.mandeljcc.org/shiningstarcletickets

Finalist Spotlight ⭐️Lizzy Noall⭐️Lizzy Noall is a senior at Highland High School. Her love for performing began when ...
09/03/2025


Finalist Spotlight
⭐️Lizzy Noall⭐️

Lizzy Noall is a senior at Highland High School. Her love for performing began when her grandparents took her to Playhouse Square as a child, sparking a fascination with storytelling through live theater. Since then, she has worked endlessly to improve her craft. Some of her career highlights include playing Katherine Plummer in Newsies and Persephone in Hadestown. Lizzy has performed with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and has earned several awards, including First Place in two categories at the Great Lakes regional NATS vocal competition. She aspires to pursue a career in the wonderful world of musical theater and is excited to begin her college search in the fall of 2026 with the goal of earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Ready to see Lizzy shine? Click the link, get your tickets and get ready to see her put on an amazing performance!⭐️ -> https://engage.mandeljcc.org/shiningstarcletickets

Finalist Spotlight ⭐️Caroline McKendry⭐️Caroline McKendry is a senior at Highland High School and she is honored to pa...
09/03/2025


Finalist Spotlight
⭐️Caroline McKendry⭐️

Caroline McKendry is a senior at Highland High School and she is honored to participate in Shining Star CLE. A passionate and versatile vocalist, she has explored genres from classic rock to contemporary pop through her work with School of Rock, performing songs by artists like Pink Floyd, Florence + the Machine, and Adele. She also sings in her church’s contemporary worship band where her love for music and faith come together. Last fall, Caroline played Miss Medda in Newsies and will star as Eurydice in Highland’s upcoming production of Hadestown. She earned First Place in Contemporary Music at the 2023 Ohio NATS competition and placed Second in 2024. Caroline is grateful for the support of her family, friends, and vocal coach Mrs. Denise Howell. She is excited to continue growing as a performer and hopes to uplift and inspire others through the music she loves.

Ready to see Caroline shine? Click the link, get your tickets and get ready to see her put on an amazing performance!⭐️ -> https://engage.mandeljcc.org/shiningstarcletickets

Finalist Spotlight⭐️Roman Kline-Bossman⭐️Roman Kline-Bossman is a senior at the Academy for the Performing Arts at Cha...
09/02/2025


Finalist Spotlight
⭐️Roman Kline-Bossman⭐️

Roman Kline-Bossman is a senior at the Academy for the Performing Arts at Chagrin Falls High School. After a life-changing summer last year, he began a new chapter in both his personal and artistic life. The Academy has been a transformative experience, allowing him to grow in confidence, deepen his training, and find himself as an artist. Roman has performed in productions that he loves and has formed lasting relationships with directors and peers. He feels more alive as an artist than ever before, an emotion reflected in his song choice this year, I’m Alive. Roman is very excited to be participating in Shining Star CLE and is proud of the growth and discovery he has experienced over the past year.

Ready to see Roman shine? Click the link, get your tickets and get ready to see him put on an amazing performance!⭐️ -> https://engage.mandeljcc.org/shiningstarcletickets

Finalist Spotlight ⭐️Tatiaunna Hope⭐️Tatiaunna Hope is a junior at the Cleveland School of the Arts. She began singing...
09/01/2025


Finalist Spotlight
⭐️Tatiaunna Hope⭐️

Tatiaunna Hope is a junior at the Cleveland School of the Arts. She began singing at the age of eight, with her mother as her biggest supporter. Singing has opened many opportunities for her, boosting her confidence when performing and helping her connect with others. Tatiaunna recently starred as the lead in the All-City Musical Chicago at Playhouse Square. She extends heartfelt thanks to her mother for always encouraging her, to her music teacher Robert McCorvey for his guidance, to Mr. Morris for inspiring her to audition, and to Kimberly Brown for her work with Chicago. Tatiaunna is also deeply grateful to her supportive family and especially her grandmother Selena Hope who has always reminded her that she can achieve anything she puts her mind to.

Ready to see Tatiaunna shine? Click the link, get your tickets and get ready to see her put on an amazing performance!⭐️ -> https://engage.mandeljcc.org/shiningstarcletickets

Finalist Spotlight⭐️Henry Dyck⭐️Henry Dyck is a senior at Cleveland Heights High School. As alifelong singer, he has b...
08/31/2025


Finalist Spotlight
⭐️Henry Dyck⭐️

Henry Dyck is a senior at Cleveland Heights High School. As alifelong singer, he has been involved in a variety of musical and operatic productions, including Amahl and the Night Visitors (Amahl), The Addams Family (Lucas), and Big Fish (Will). This fall, he will take on the role of Jean Valjean in his school’s production of Les Misérables. Henry has also performed as a boy soprano soloist in Chichester Psalms and Requiem for the Living, and was a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Choir. Most recently, he performed at Severance Hall with his barbershop quartet, The Freakybobs. Outside of music, he plays on the soccer, swim, and lacrosse teams and plays piano for his school’s Jazz Band. He thanks his parents and sister for their constant support and is extremely excited to participate in another year of Shining Star CLE.

Ready to see Henry shine? Click the link, get your tickets and get ready to see him put on an amazing performance! -> https://engage.mandeljcc.org/shiningstarcletickets

Finalist Spotlight ⭐️Dajeun Dickerson⭐️Dajeun Dickerson is a senior at Canton McKinley High School. From a young age, ...
08/29/2025


Finalist Spotlight
⭐️Dajeun Dickerson⭐️

Dajeun Dickerson is a senior at Canton McKinley High School. From a young age, he has been passionate about the arts, beginning his journey at Triumph Church under the mentorship of Shepherd Kimberly Barnes. Over the years, he has grown into a powerhouse vocalist, showcasing his talents through various performances. He has opened for Grammy Award-winning artists Marvin Sapp and Fred Hammond, sung the national anthem at two Guardians baseball games, and most recently earned Gold at the NAACP ACT-SO National Competition. Dajeunalso holds leadership roles as Youth President at his local church, President of Speech and Debate (two-time National and three-time State Qualifier), President of Student Council, and Vice President of the Pep Club. A strong advocate for youth empowerment, he believes young people are not just tomorrow's leaders, but today's. Dajeun expresses heartfelt gratitude to his parents for their unwavering support and gives all glory to God for the opportunities he has received.

Ready to see Dajeun shine? Click the link, get your tickets and get ready to see him put on an amazing performance! -> https://engage.mandeljcc.org/shiningstarcletickets

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26001 S Woodland
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