Senior Kelly Drake is more experienced than most when it comes to performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Drake has been given the opportunity to perform on the iconic Great Stage two times in the past two years—first on June 18, 2014, as a sophomore and second last week on April 11.

“It was amazing,” Drake said. “I am constantly shocked by how beautiful it is to stand up there. During the finale, there were many emotions going on. I’m just super thankful.”

Drake performed at the annual Garden of Dreams Talent Show. This year’s show was titled “Decade of Dreams” to commemorate the event’s tenth anniversary.  The show is made possible by the Garden of Dreams Foundation which is, according to its website, a non-profit organization that works with The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks Inc. to positively impact the lives of children facing obstacles. The annual talent show is held to allow kids to fulfill their dreams of performing at Radio City.

“I was sent an invitation through the Make a Wish Foundation to become apart of the talent show by auditioning,” Drake said. “I went through two auditions and then I performed.”

Seeing her long, red head of hair now, you would never guess that Drake had spent a lot of time at the hospital receiving chemo treatments that left her with almost no hair. However, Drake got involved with the Make a Wish Foundation after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in sixth grade at age 12.

Now five years cancer-free, Drake has stayed involved with these organizations because of the support they have given her, and how much she loves being a part of them. After performing “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles as a solo when she first took the stage in 2014, and having such an amazing experience, Drake knew that she had to come back again this year to join the Alumni Choir.

Composed of over 30 members who have performed in the talent show in the last ten years, the Alumni Choir sang “Children Hold On to Your Dreams” by Wee Gee, “Ooh Child” by the Five Starsteps, and ended the show with “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, which they sang with all of the other performers.

“I think the best part of the experience is all of the things I’ve taken away from it,” Drake said. “I’ve grown as a person in my confidence and passions, and I’ve made so many life lasting friendships.”

In the future, Drake hopes to remain in contact with the foundation and continue to be apart of it.

“These experiences have definitely made me want to continue my singing career,” Drake said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds.”