Young E.... Following my dre@mz...

music layout powered by HOT FreeLayouts.com / MyHotCommentsVOCAL >>>> Singing has been Erica’s passion since age three. She sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at age 12 at the Commencement Exercises of the graduating class of Correctional Officers, held at Lincoln High School in Northeast Philadelphia.. She won First Prize for her performance of “God Bless America” at the Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade in 2004,also one first place in her division at Puerto Rican Day Parade 2007, as part of the Philadelphia Prison System’s presentation. She also performed Celine Dion’s, “My Heart Will Go On” at Opening Day Remembrance Ceremony for Correctional Employee Week in Philadelphia 2005. Erica performed with All-City Choir in Harrisburg, PA for the Governor’s Inauguration in January 2007and performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service at Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia in January 2007. She had two solo parts, one of the few freshman class members to ever receive this honor, at her school's Spring Concert 2007. She was a finalists in Lights of Liberty Teen Idol for the best “God Bless America” competition in summer 2007. Erica performed before 9,000 people, during intermission, at the Aretha Franklin Concert at the Robin Hood Dell East in Philadelphia on Monday, August 6, 2007, captivating the crowd with a rendition of the spiritual, “Amazing Grace”.She performed “Can’t Give Up Now” by Mary, Mary, as part of her finalist role in the Philadelphia’s Recreation Department Urban Teen Idol Contest on August 9, 2007, winning overwhelming approval from the crowd She performed at the Felton at Arcangel’s concert, August 31,2007. Performed at Nueva Creacion Concert at the Felton, August 25, 2007. She performed as opening act for Tono Rosario Concert at the Felton, September 15, 2007. She performed at the 24th annual Ferria del Barrio September 9, 2007, had the opportunity to meet Grammy Nominee Michael Stuart. Had the opportunity to meet Baby Ranks early in her career. Erica performed at the 7th annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Pennsauken, New Jersey, at Cooper river park. September 23, 2007. At the request of City Councilman Juan Ramos Performed at City Hall at the Flag Raising Ceremony sang “Star Spangled Banner”. September 24, 2007. Erica had the privilege to meet members of the singing group “Aventura”on October 6, 2007. Erica Mendez also has been mentioned in several news papers, in Philadelphia, Camden, New Jersey. On October 7, 2007 Erica performed at the Italian Day Parade singing, also was given the opportunity to sing on Oct the 10 2007 by The Channel 6 community advisory board Honoring Hispanic woman of the Delaware Valley. And much much more to mention . Erica has also discovered her talent as a songwriter at age 15 Erica has written several songs. 2008 Erica won an award named after Celia Cruz at the NJN YOUTH SHOWCASE on May 23,2008.ACTING >>>> Lead roles in plays at Ascension of Our Lord School and later at Saint Veronica Parochial School, Beauty and the beast 2008, all in Philadelphia. Acting for her is a good way to express herself. She was often complimented for putting much life and emotion into a character. Erica served as a motivator for other students in the school. Successfully auditioned for Mike Lemon Casting winning the right to be on web page of actors looking for work.DANCING >>>> Erica attended Charlotte's dance school, in Philadelphia. Erica also choreographed many of the middle school plays she was involved with. Dance Salsa, Merengue, Hip Hop and a little ballet.ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS >>>>Received 19 of the 23 Academic Awards presented at her eighth grade graduation. Currently, maintaining a 3.7 GPA , taking AP courses, and is also part of student council at school,and looking forward to attending New York University after graduation. Erica was Valedictorian from grades 5th through 8th. Graduating from eighth grade, she was awarded the Principal’s Award, Volunteer Service Award and a Four Year Scholarship to Little Flower Catholic High School, which she graciously declined to follow her passion for singing.LEADERSHIP ROLES >>>> Received The 2007 Puerto Rican Festival Latino Youth Award, had the opportunity to meet Ana Ortiz, actress in hit show Ugly Betty, Charlie Cruz, salsa singer at the Award Ceremony.Also had the opportunity to meet Boyz to Men, November 2007, These artist inspire her in so many ways. Erica Mendez – Honor Student - This recognizes a young Latino who has achieved scholastically and in his/her personal life or has demonstrated leadership through volunteer services to the community. Erica also tutor's peers. Erica is also trilingual can read,write,speak English,Spanish,Italian........Her Hero's are God for creating her and helping her to be the woman that she is.Her mother E. Matias for being the strong woman that she is. Her Grandfather Wil Rojas for always being there for her, her Brother Eddie for being so protective of her. Her stepfather John Matias for loving her and teaching her to be the respectful young lady that she is today. Her sister mariah for putting up with her. her sister Asia for keeping her busy.