Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

The 129th “Cynonfardd” Eisteddfodd was held on April 28 at the Dr. Edwards Memorial Congregational Church, Edwardsville. It is the longest running Welsh competition in music and poetry outside of the country of Wales. It was begun in Edwardsville by Dr. T. C. Edwards, for whom the church is named, as a means to teach the children the English language. It has evolved today into a competitive festival in vocal music, poetry, Bible reading and piano — open to all.

Chairwoman Bette Lee Devers heads the committee for this activity and this year she introduced Adjudicator of Music Jim Ruck and the Adjudicator of Recitation Christine Rock, both of Wilkes-Barre. Scott Jones, deacon of the church, served as conductor of the afternoon session for children, and Bette Devers handled the evening session. It was a day filled with competitors, both young and old.

Winners of the 129th “Cynonfardd” Eisteddfod

Afternoon session winners

Jacob Polishan, Dunmore; Timmy Polishan, Dunmore, Sam Carpenter, Shavertown; Brady Glickert, Sugar Loaf; Tatiana Schlifka, Dallas; Claire Polishan, Dunmore; Anna Polishan, Dunmore; Charles Glickert, Sugar Loaf; Shelli Selby, Dallas; Erin Barno, Mountain Top; second place, Lauren Glickert, Sugar Loaf; third place, Alyson Price, Larksville; Jacob Novrocki, Swoyersville; Bryana Soriano, Wilkes-Barre; Madison Woods, Kingston; Audrey Glickert, Sugar Loaf; Alvaro Farnos, Madrid, Spain.

The Afternoon Session ended with the 13 to 15 and 16 to 18 year old soloists joining in to sing “God Bless American,” directed by Jim Ruck.

Evening Session Winners

Nancy Wright, New York City; Melissa Maurer, Catawissa; Two Welsh Cookies (Carol Jones Wolosz, Edwardsville; Sally Morgan DiRico, Nuangola); Joyce Lysiak, Shickshinny; Richard Aston, Wilkes-Barre; Carol Ellis, Shamokin; Jeffrey Johnson, Bloomsburg; Jack Wise, Pittston; Sounds Abound, Wyoming Valley Barbershop (Drew Smith, Tom Roberts, Jim Morpath, Joe Husty); Glenn Ryman, Wilkes-Barre; Orpheus Choral Society, Wyoming Valley (Director, Michelle Tyburski).

Pictured in the back row, from left, are 10- to 12-year-old piano contestants from the afternoon session: Scott Jones; Brenda Nighbert, prize presenter; Bette Devers; the Rev. Shawn Walker. Front: Tatiana Schlifka, Shelli Selby, Charles Glickert, Jordan Ceklosky, Noah Ceklosky, Brady Glickert.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_Welsh1.jpg.optimal.jpgPictured in the back row, from left, are 10- to 12-year-old piano contestants from the afternoon session: Scott Jones; Brenda Nighbert, prize presenter; Bette Devers; the Rev. Shawn Walker. Front: Tatiana Schlifka, Shelli Selby, Charles Glickert, Jordan Ceklosky, Noah Ceklosky, Brady Glickert.

Evening session solo challenge winners are pictured, from left: Bette Devers, Jack Wise, contestants Glenn Ryman and Melissa Maurer, the Rev. Shawn Walker (seated).
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_Welsh2.jpg.optimal.jpgEvening session solo challenge winners are pictured, from left: Bette Devers, Jack Wise, contestants Glenn Ryman and Melissa Maurer, the Rev. Shawn Walker (seated).