Grand Center Arts Academy is celebrating a major achievement by two of its graduating seniors.
Safiya Austin-El and Langston Casey earned top honors at the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition, placing first and third, respectively, in the region’s premier performing arts scholarship competition for high school students. Safiya was named the First Place winner and received an $8,000 scholarship. Langston earned Third Place and received a $4,000 scholarship.
The St. Louis Teen Talent Competition is open to high school students across the St. Louis metropolitan area (within a 75-mile radius of the Gateway Arch). Each year, students in grades 9–12 compete for scholarship awards through a series of qualifying rounds and a final performance on the stage of The Fabulous Fox Theatre. A panel of judges evaluates each act based on stage presence, technical ability, interpretation, and originality.
Safiya’s first-place win marks a standout moment in her high school career—and an exciting return to the Teen Talent stage. She competed in the competition last year and placed third, making this year’s first-place finish a powerful reflection of her continued growth, artistry, and dedication.
Both students recently performed together at the Saint Louis Art Museum’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, where they delivered a moving performance of “Wheels of a Dream” from the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Ragtime. Their success at Teen Talent further highlights the exceptional talent and preparation fostered through GCAA’s performing arts pathways.
Congratulations to Safiya Austin-El and Langston Casey on this outstanding accomplishment. We are proud to celebrate their hard work, their artistic excellence, and the scholarship support that will help propel them into their next chapter after graduation.