A STUDLEY youngster has taken America by storm and returned to the UK with four silver medals from the Hollywood stage.
Billy Vale wowed judges in California when he competed in the The World Championships of Performing Arts – the ‘Olympics’ for aspiring performers.
The 12-year old, who attends St Benedict’s s Catholic High School in Alcester, was the youngest boy in the first ever UK team and had to raise £4,000 to cover competition costs before he could jet off to Los Angeles.
“It was the most amazing performing experience in a fantastic part of the world,” Billy said. “I was thrilled to represent my country and win some medals but the best part was making new friends from all over the world.”
The talented youngster scooped a medal in all four of the singing categories he entered in the competition, which ran from July to August.
At the start of Billy’s fund-raising campaign, he pledged to donate any cash raised over his target to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a cause which is close to his family’s heart after the death of Billy’s brother, George, in 2011 aged 14, from a brain tumour.
Billy raised £2,377 over his £4,000 target and the excess included proceeds from a thank you’ concert he held in June to show his gratitude to those who helped send him to California.
Proud Dad, Paul, added: “Billy has worked very hard this year and we are very proud that amongst all of this he has continued to fund raise for Birmingham Children’s Hospital in memory of his brother who would also be very proud of him.”
