“Honored.”

It’s a word both Hannah Draus and Hailey Rivera use to describe how they feel about performing at NEPA Sings.

“Being able to help children who aren’t able to really help themselves is an amazing thing,” said Hailey, 17. “The idea that this event could help change even one child’s life makes me so honored to be part of it.”

Hannah, 16, is honored as well, but for slightly different reasons.

“It is truly an honor being a part of this wonderful event,” she said. “When I was a baby, I was in the foster care system myself, so this benefit is extra special to me. “I was extremely blessed that I was placed with a loving and caring family that provided me with everything I needed and made me the person I am today. So many children may not ever have a family like I was lucky enough to get, so being part of an event such as this, to help children get the voice they deserve, is beyond rewarding for me.”

Hailey is in 11th grade at Coughlin and feels like every performer in this competition is deserving of the first place trophy, but also that there’s a bigger reason for the evening.

“I believe that everyone deserves to win just as much as I do,” she said. “No matter what, this is to benefit the kids who need help. That’s what matters most to me.”

Hannah is homeschooled and lives in White Haven and agrees with Hailey.

“Although it would be an honor to win, as it would be to anyone, that is not the reason I auditioned for NEPA Sings,” she said. “I want my voice to be hears so it can help raise money for these children. Being chosen as one of the 12 finalists and getting to sing with 11 amazingly talented people is a price all by itself.”

If you’d like to hear Hailey and Hannah sing their hearts out for a great cause, click here and purchase your tickets. For $25 each, your ticket not only includes performances from 12 of the area’s most talented singers, but also a one-hour cocktail reception. Children 12 and under are admitted to the show for free!

NEPA Sings will be held on Thursday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Kirby Center for the Creative Arts at Wyoming Seminary’s Upper Campus in Kingston. Tickets are also available with cash or check at the Greater Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce, the KCCA at SEM, or the CASA of Luzerne County office. You can also purchase tickets at the door the same way! Hope to see you there!

It takes passion and determination to turn something you love to do into a career. Especially when it comes to music.

While Cody Wiley and Marina Rinkunas are at different points in their journey, they both have that same passion and determination.

Marina, 16, is making plans for her future in music. An eight year student at Northeastern Music Academy, and a three year musical theater performer, Marina has plans to pursue this love for the rest of her life.

“(Winning) would be a great achievement,” she said. “I feel like it could really kick off my career in music and theater since that is what I want to major in at college.”

And while winning is the goal, Marina is happy to be involved with NEPA Sings and CASA of Luzerne County and the mission to give a voice to children who need one.

“I think it is extremely important for today’s youth to be heard,” she said.

For Cody, 29, life revolves around music and family. Music has always been important, but more than 10 years ago, it transformed from a hobby to a passion. Thanks to determination and a second-hand guitar, Cody writes his own music and lyrics and plays all over Northeast PA.

He hopes that his involvement in NEPA Sings will allow the children that CASA serves to be able to follow their own dreams as well.

“It’s amazing to be part of this organization,” he said. “I hope that I can be a positive influence.”

Marina lives in Clarks Summit and attends Scranton Prep. According to her dad, Marina has been singing since she was able to talk.

Cody lives in Cressona with his fiancé and their two children, a five-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl. Cody is a self-taught musician and hopes to use his music to give his family “everything they deserve.”

To hear Cody and Marina on April 11, you can get your tickets online here, or by visiting the CASA office, the Greater Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce, or the Kirby Center for the Performing Arts at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston with cash or check.

For $25 your ticket gets you a one-hour cocktail reception with food and wine, and beer from SBC, along with performances from Cody, Marina, and nine other amazing performers. You’ll also have the opportunity to win a $250 gift card to Ruth’s Chris. Children 12 and under are FREE!

NEPA Sings: Meet the Contestants

NEPA Sings: Meet the Contestants