Bloomsburg – Journey Bank crowned Jaslin Shand the 2026 winner of the 16th Annual Journey Bank Teen Star Musical Competition, a press release said. Shand, a junior at Williamsport Area High School, was one of 14 high school vocalists who took the stage at Bloomsburg University on Sunday to compete for the title. The finalists were selected across 20 school districts located within Journey Bank’s service area.

Shand and her 14 fellow finalists performed songs from a playlist curated by Journey Bank employees. Aside from performing for a panel of expert judges, the finalists also captivated the audience, which included hundreds of friends, family, and Teen Star fans. After the first round of performances, the judges chose three finalists to sing again to compete for the top spot. Enthusiastic fans, who brought along posters and flowers, were full of cheers to support the finalists and had the chance to text their vote to save a fourth finalist during the show, adding even more fun and excitement to the event.

Shand performed “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri for her first song.

“The judges were impressed by her natural stage presence and ability to draw the audience into the story and meaning of the song,” the press release said.

The moving performance earned her a place in the top four, where she sang a heartfelt rendition of “Hold My Hand” by Lady Gaga.

In second place, Rian Gephart, a senior from Montoursville, performed a beautiful rendition of “Creep” by Radiohead, followed by an emotional “Open Arms” by Journey.

“The judges felt Rian had a unique vocal style, something they commented is difficult to find in this day and age,” said the press release.

Garnering third place, and the audience save, was Caroline Decker, a senior from Bloomsburg Area High School. Decker, who loves to perform and connect with her audience, sang “How Great Thou Art” by Carrie Underwood with power and true emotion. She followed with a second song, “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes, which displayed her diversity and vocal range.

In fourth place, Johnnylee Burd, a sophomore from Columbia Montour Area Vocational Technical School, brought an authentic country vibe with “Travelin’ Soldier” by Cody Johnson as he accompanied himself on the guitar. He followed with “Til You Can’t,” also by Cody Johnson, stirring up the crowd who was feeling it and clapping along.

“All 14 finalists delivered amazing performances, each embracing the Journey Bank employee playlist theme,” said the press release. “The stage resonated with the music of Billy Joel, Josh Groben, Frank Sinatra, Sara Bareilles, and more. There was music across all genres and generations — truly something for everyone.”

The Bank will be donating all the ticket proceeds from this year’s event to the high school music departments at the finalists’ home high schools, according to the release. Ticket sales have yet to be tabulated for this year, but since 2011, Journey Bank has donated more than $56,000 in ticket proceeds. Journey Bank also awards prize money to the finalists. The first-place finisher won $2,000. The second, third, and fourth-place finishers won $1,000, $750, and $350, respectively. The remaining ten finalists each received $200.