Highland Park’s talented youth took to the stage Saturday for Late Nite HP's  fifth annual talent show. Students from kindergarten through high school were invited to perform for their peers and parents at the Art Center.

Fourteen kids sang, danced and played instruments at the event held by Late Nite HP, an organization dedicated to providing young people in the community with entertainment and activities outside of school.

“We started the talent show because most of the performances [sponsored by Late Nite HP were] more teen orientated and there so there were nothing going on for little kids,” said Terri Olian, who is a city councilwoman and mayoral candidate in addition to the coordinator of Late Nite HP events.

Each year, the event has grown to include kids of all ages. While there are no judges or prizes, everyone walks away with a smile and a feeling of accomplishment.

“I don't make the kids register, there is no fee, it's not a contest and there are no prizes,” said Olian. “It's really just a very low key performance opportunity for kids.”

This year, the performers included:

• Saumya Malmotra, 9, played piano;
• Brody LaForce, first grade, rapped and sang;
• Tyler LaForce, third grade, played piano;
• Sydney Schenk, 8, danced to “Push It To The Limit” by Corbin Bleu;
• Kate Kramer, 9, danced to “Low” by Flo Rida;
• Noa Dayan, 8, sang “Tomorrow” from “Annie”;
• Sophie Schenk, 10, danced to “Waka Waka for Africa” by Shakira;
• Meryl Rudy, 12, played guitar and sang “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen and “Tim McGraw” by Taylor Swift;
• Kendall Robins sang “How Lovely To Be A Woman,” from “Bye Bye Birdie”
• Lily Wohlner sang “Breathe,” by Anna Nalick; “For No One,” by Alicia Keys; and “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga;
• Isaac Freedman, 10, and Julia Foos, 10, played guitar and sang “Love Story” by Taylor Swift;
• Sadie Freedman, 15, and Tilly Freedman, 13, played and sang “Such Great Heights” by the Postal Service.

For more information about Late Nite HP, visit www.latenitehp.com.