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Air Force Talent Contest winner continues to shine

  • Published
  • By By Capt. Wayne Capps
  • 315th Airlift Wing
Since winning second place in the 9 to 12-year-old category for the worldwide Air Force talent competition, Shayla Degregorio has continued to flourish and will release her first single this month.

Shayla, the daughter of Maj. Robert Degregorio, a reservist and commander of the 315th Logistics Readiness Squadron, finished second in the worldwide contest in July 2011 and recently recorded a single titled, "Take me away," which will be released today by Platinum Vybe Recordings.

According to her father, the Air Force talent competition helped her further her ambitions. "Shortly after that competition, she and friends from school created a band called Fuzion. Since then, Fuzion has played at multiple festivals and events including a "Month of the Military Child" event along with several others," said Maj. Degregorio.

Recently, Shayla's mother Tricia noticed a Facebook contest sponsored by a radio station in Charlotte, N.C. The contest offered aspiring artists the opportunity to be included on a compilation CD called "Pride of the Carolinas." After reviewing rules, Mrs. Degregorio realized Shayla was too young to compete, being just 12-years-old at that time. Taking a chance, her parents submitted a video to the producers.

With over 4,000 entries, the record company made an acceptation and offered Shayla the opportunity to be included on the album.

Shayla seems to be ready to take her talents to the next level, "I just love to sing and I feel so comfortable when I perform. I love to see the reaction on People's faces when I sing for them," said Shayla.

While Shayla is focused on her upcoming performances, Maj. Degregorio credits some of his daughter's success on the exposure and confidence received by participating in the Air Force contest. "I think the contest was an important step for her. It showed her that she can do whatever she wants, if she sets her mind to it."

Her single, "Take me away" along with the rest of the "Pride of the Carolinas" album was released on January 24, 2012 on iTunes, Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart.