I AM PHL Winner Hosts Kidchella Festival for Wawa Welcome America
We caught up with Cas Edens, the 2024 I AM PHL Contest winner in the Spoken Word category, as she took the mic to host Kidchella—a high-energy family concert during the Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July celebration.
Cas didn’t just attend—she was the official emcee of the day. This paid hosting opportunity was one of the exciting rewards that came after winning the 2024 I AM PHL Contest, powered by PhillyGoes2College.
“It’s my first time really being out front at something like this,” Cas said. “It was kind of nerve-wracking, but also really amazing.”
From welcoming the crowd to keeping the kids excited and engaged, Cas owned the stage with joy and confidence. And she wasn’t just having fun—she was growing in real time.
“I loved getting to talk to the kids,” she said. “Asking them silly questions like ‘Do you know Simon Says?’ and seeing their energy—it was so fun.”
Cas first learned about the opportunity from a PhillyGoes2College email.
“I got an email from Emmanuel a few months ago asking if I wanted to do something cool,” she laughed. “And I was like—of course!”
Since winning the I AM PHL Spoken Word category, Cas has been making moves. She performed on Fox 29, took part in music projects at school, and is headed to a summer band festival at Penn.
“Winning helped me feel more confident being myself,” she said. “I’ve been doing more things that make me happy—like getting my nails done and growing my creativity.”
As a poet and musician, Cas loved connecting with artists and adults in the music industry during Kidchella.
“It’s cool because I can mix my two favorite things—poetry and music—and meet people doing the same.”
When asked what advice she would give to other students who want to speak or perform in public, Cas had this to say:
“Be crazy about it. Just get out there and have fun—even if it’s scary. Tell yourself, ‘I can do hard things.’ That opens doors.”
Cas, you truly shined on the Kidchella stage—and Philly is proud to see where you’re headed next.
🎥 Want to see Cas in action? Watch her Kidchella hosting debut on YouTube!
