LITHONIA—It wasn’t an easy task for Jagged Edge, who served as celebrity guest judges, to pick the winners of Arabia Mountain High School’s recent talent show. Still, some of the students stood above the rest like freshman Alexander Leavelle, who placed first at the sold-out PTSA fundraiser.

Leavelle stole the show as he did the moonwalk across the stage to “Billie Jean,” delivering his dance rendition of one of the top hits by the late king of pop, Michael Jackson. Leavelle did a spin, threw out glitter and hit a split, drawing screams from the audience during his four-minute-52 seconds performance.

The second place honor went to the duet called Expressions of Praise, which was formed by sophomores Zhane Ford-Carter and Kayona Marshall. The two performed a mime act to gospel artist Smokie Norful’s  “I Need You Now,” which received a standing ovation.

Nile Pitts, also a sophomore, placed third in the contest. He showed off his smooth vocals as he sang “Flying Without Wings” by Ruben Studdard.

Tickets for the event were $5 in advance and $7 at the door. The auditorium of the school was packed to capacity. Organizers said the event, the first talent show that the year-old school has hosted, was a phenomenal success.

Dr. Angela Pringle is principal of Arabia Mountain High. The school has received local, national and international recognition for its focus on the environment and its engineering, and medicine programs.