A Tribute to Rock ’n' Roll was the theme of DC-CAP’s 7th annual DC-CAPITAL STARS gala last week at the Kennedy Center. It’s the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser, bringing in $1.1M this year to support getting every DC public and public charter school student to college. The event features a high school talent show in which the top 10 performers compete for scholarships. This year’s celebrity judges included Alyson Reed (HS Musical, A Chorus Line and Cabaret), Tony winner Savion Glover, and Mark Rivera from Billy Joel’s band.

First prize ($10k scholarship) went to dancer Jiamond Watson, 17, a junior from the Duke Ellington School. Second place ($6k scholarship) went to rapper/singer/ukulele player Carlos Hood, 18, a senior at Woodrow Wilson. Pianist Jennifer Li, 17, also a senior at Woodrow Wilson, won third place and a $4k scholarship. Don Graham was honored for his 16 years of work with DC-CAP. Special guests included Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Mayor Muriel Bowser.