OXNARD : High School Student Award Semifinalist

An Oxnard High School student has been named one of 60 semifinalists from Southern California for the Spotlight Awards, sponsored by the Music Center of Los Angeles County.

LeAna Lynn Centano, 17, who competed in the jazz and modern dance category, was among the 300 high school dancers, singers and musicians who auditioned for the award over five weeks, said Anne Elmajian, a Music Center spokeswoman.

Centano, a Ventura resident and a student at the MacKinnon Dance Academy in Oxnard, has studied tap, ballet and jazz dance for 12 years. She plans to become a professional dancer and choreographer, she told Music Center officials in her application.

In January and February, 12 finalists will be selected from among the 60 semifinalists, Elmajian said.

They will compete for the final awards during a March 18 performance at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.

Two finalists will be chosen in each of the six categories, including pop vocals, ballet, and jazz and classical instrumental music. First-place winners each will receive $5,000 scholarships, and runners-up will receive $2,500.

Before the final competition, Centano and other semifinalists will have a chance to participate in master classes taught by members of the Joffrey Ballet, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and other professional groups, Elmajian said.