Helena Badiali, a student at Central Bucks High School West in Doylestown, won the High School Division of the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center’s International Youth Solo Contest for 2022, writes Chloe Rabinowitz for the Broadway World.

She performed the song “The Sound of Music” from its namesake musical as her entry into the competition.

“I chose this song because I had the pleasure of playing the main character ‘Maria’ in my school’s production this year,” said Badiali.

Students from all over the world participated in this year’s competition that aims to educate young musical theatre enthusiasts on the huge influence Oscar Hammerstein had on the development of the modern Broadway musical.

The competition also raises international awareness of the mission to save Oscar Hammerstein’s home in Doylestown and open it as a museum.

Winners of the Bucks County Division were also announced. Twelve-year-old Charlotte Raynor from Chalfont won first place, Ella Patras, of Doylestown, came in second, and Emily Kane, of Jamison, finished in third place. The top five were rounded out by Doylestown’s Annabel Bower in fourth place and Perkasie’s Annamarie Yates in fifth place.

Read more about the winners in the Broadway World.