Audience Wild for Amazing Singers
The Huntington High School auditorium was the place to be last Friday night as talented singers took to the stage in the final round of this year's Huntington Idol competition.
A crowd of about 350 was treated to a series of fine performances. Once the judges had finished their work, junior Josh Stickell (high school) seventh grader Ifedayo Balogun (middle school) and eighth grader Cassandra Berwick (Best Entertainer) were crowned this year's winners. They received gift certificates and handsome trophies said Lisa Leonardi, a Huntington High School music teacher who coordinated the event.
Finalists also included Huntington High School students Hailey Giordano, Kristin Berner, Honor Corbly, Rebecca Alligood, Brianne Bennett, Samar Nadi, Olivia Liepa, Sarah Mosden, Taivon LaPalmer and Ashley Rice.
J. Taylor Finley Middle School finalists also included Melanie Lanham-Ciancia, Camryn Libes, Cassandra Berwick, Yardalie Daniel, Page Montecalvo, Annalise Mozer, Bailey Riordan, Maddie Shea, Justin Waite and Amber Zulijani.
Final round highlights included an impressive display by Huntington High School vocal teacher Veronica Mainville, who sang "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga and Jefferson School fourth grade teacher Nicole Parrett who gave her rendition of Whitney Houston's song, "I Believe In You And Me."
"The audience was 'gaga' for our amazing singers," Ms. Leonardi said. "I want to thank the orchestra parents and orchestra students who helped with this event, as well as the security guards and facilities staff members."
Planning is already underway for the 2013 Huntington Idol. Proceeds from the event benefit the Orchestra Parents for OOMPAH's scholarship efforts for students in grades 4-12.