Allen reigns as LMS' 'L Factor' champ

The first-ever "L Factor" champion has been crowned.

Lake Middle School eighth grader Jackson Allen won the school’s talent competition on Jan. 31.

Allen won a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate thanks to his acoustic version of “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley.

This is the first year LMS has showcased “L Factor,” inspired by the popular “X Factor” television show.

In previous years the school has hosted a “Lake Idol” and “Lake’s Got Talent” competitions, also modeled after TV competitions.

A total of 40 students auditioned for “L Factor.”

Four judges narrowed the list to 15 contestants over three weeks of competition until settling on the final five.

The four judges were: LMS science teacher Brain Eberhardt, LMS choir teacher Gillian Teoh, LMS language arts teacher Ashley Martin and LMS math teacher Ashley Ruka.

During Thursday’s competition, Teoh complimented Allen’s maturity.

“This is a more mature, grown-up Jackson that can still bring it,” she said.

Eberhardt commended Allen for his unique take on “Crazy.”

“I love that you’re keeping things fresh,” Eberthardt said.

Martin and Ruka commended Allen for picking a song he was comfortable with.

“I love that you chose a version of the song that just fit you,” Martin said.

“You went to your comfort zone but you put a twist on it,” Ruka said. “It was awesome to see you step out of the box – I got my first set of chills this competition.”

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