Elementary, middle and high school students will take to the stage Saturday, Nov. 7, in hopes of winning the annual “Every Child Is a Star Talent Show,” produced by Southwest Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS). Three of the students are from Lehigh Acres.

It’s the third year SWFAS has coordinated the talent show, which is sponsored by the Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation and the H. J. Heinz Co. The show will be from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd., in Fort Myers.There is no admission to attend the show and the public is invited.

Three cash prizes of $75 each will be awarded for each category (elementary, middle and high school).

“We have 18 acts that will be competing with a wide variety of talent. They were selected in auditions from among 23 who registered to participate. We are very pleased with the level of talent our community has in its young people and invite the public to come see for themselves,” said Martha del Valle, SWFAS talent show coordinator.

From Lehigh are Ravyn Clark, 13, aneight grader at Alva Middle School, who will besinging “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles; Kiasha Tiara Church, 14, a ninth grader of CypressLake High School, who will be singingsinging “Eyes on the Sparrow” or Own Song; and Carley Levy, 13, an eight graderat Gateway Charter School, who will be singing”Gravity” by Sara Bareilles.

The performances include everything from singing and dancing to a magic act and gymnastics. Contestants represent nearly every area of Lee County.

The talent show will open with a roller skating demonstration by Jammin’ The Net Skate Team.

A video presentation on the dangers of prescription drugs also will be shown during intermission.

“Our goal is to provide teens with a fun, safe venue to express themselves without using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs,” del Valle said.

In addition to the talent show, the afternoon will include a silent auction of themed baskets such as movies, sports, and bath-body products.

The “Every Child Is a Star Talent Show” offers the community an alternative event for children that doesn’t include drugs and alcohol. This year’s focus is to bring awareness about the dangers of using and abusing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

SWFAS is the most comprehensive substance abuse treatment and prevention program in Southwest Florida, serving 6,000 people per year from ages 9 to 90.

SWFAS offers outpatient and residential programs for both adults and youngsters from five locations in Lee County and two in Hendry County. In addition, SWFAS provides detoxification services for adults, prevention programming, and an Employee Assistance Program for about 60 Southwest Florida businesses.

Fees are charged on a sliding scale, based on family income. In many cases, private insurance is accepted. SWFAS is a United Way agency.

For more information about the talent show, contact del Valle at 332-6937, ext. 111, or visit www.swfas.org.