Children at the youth center organize talent show Published Aug. 12, 2013 By Jonathan Rejent Nucleus staff writer KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- A performance of a hit song by Katie Perry, a gymnastics routine and a reproduction of the "Harlem Shake" were only a few of the talents on display during the Aug. 2 event at the youth center that was organized not by the teachers, but by the children. Talent show host Jenna Lagen, co-host Lauren Cousins and Emily Pape were the brains behind many aspects of the show, including its "Hollywood night on the red carpet" theme. "People are famous for their talent in Hollywood. We wanted (the participants) to be famous in the youth center for their talent," Lagen said. Lagen and Cousins, along with their peers, created a Hollywood sign and a backdrop to set the stage. Last year, the youth center hosted a similar talent show, but this year, the number of participants approximately doubled according to Nicole Baldwin, lead teacher at the youth center. The gained popularity was partially due to opening up the event to all ages. "We conducted tryouts, but everyone that was interested was included in the show," Pape said. While there were a handful of teachers --dressed as celebrities --judging the various performances, all the participants were deemed winners and received prizes. "They already know they're good ... and we know they're good too. We want everyone to feel equal," Lagen said. The prize box was made up of a variety of stuffed animals, old and new, donated by children, parents and teachers at the youth center. Lagen and Cousins said that while they have lead group projects and activities in the past, this is their first time organizing an event this size. During the days leading up to the show, Lagen joked, saying she was worried she was going to be "a nervous wreck."