Success Story - Singing Stardom

Singing Stardom

Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts

Plan of Work: McCracken County 4-H Communication and Arts Education

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

In her early teen years, Mandy Moore started singing “The Star Spangled Banner” at various sports events in her Floridian hometown, earning her the nickname “The National Anthem Girl." According to her own personal testament, this is how Moore was discovered and signed a record deal at age 15.

Gabrielle Copeland is a 4-H member at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service in Paducah, Kentucky. She began singing at the age of 2 and she has never lost her love of it. She recently applied and was accepted to GSA. Since joining the McCracken County 4-H Teen Club, Copeland gravitated towards auditioning for the Kentucky 4-H Performing Arts Troupe. She has since served 3 years on the Troupe, gaining leadership skills, confidence, and showcasing her talents. This past year, Copeland served as co-president of the Troupe and has reapplied for 2020.

In March of 2021, she was asked by the County 4-H Agent to come to the office to record and sing "Dear Hate" by Maren Morris. The video can be found on the facebook of the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service. While at the office, Copeland asked if she could also record "The Star Spangled Banner" to use as an audition video for professional sporting events.

Gabby heard back from the Cincinnati Reds a few days after sending in her audition video. They invited her to The Great American Ballpark to sing at their next game on April 20, 2021. Days after she came home, she heard back from the Tampa Bay Rays and they asked permission to play her audition video on the big screen for their next game. Copeland may just be the next "National Anthem Girl" with 4-H making the best, better.