BRANSON, Mo. -- Eleven-year-
Hawthorne’s solo, Never Would Have Made It, was entered in the gospel vocal category in the 2009 National Finals hosted by American Kids Inc.; the nation’s only little league of entertainers. As Performer of the Year, Hawthorne was invited to guest star on a future episode of the Penny Gilley Show on RFD TV.
Gilley served as an All-Star judge along with producer Mike Stanglin, Todd Walker, singer, dancer and actor from Peter Pan, and Deana Martin, singer, actor and performer and the daughter of Dean Martin.
By city proclamation, July 13-17 was declared American Kids Week in Branson as more than 170 young entertainers competed for $9,000 in cash, prizes, trophies and scholarships. The proclamation recognized the accomplishments of the 27-year-old non-profit group, as a “youth-oriented organization that has enriched the lives of so many and promoted community service using entertainment as the vehicle…” and said “Branson is honored and proud to be the host for this competition that serves to gather young performers and their families to make a difference in the world and have fun together.”
