The Charlton Middle School auditorium was buzzing with speculation as to who would win the Idol Contest held on Saturday, June 20, 2009.  Auditions were held the previous Saturday, also at the Middle School, where eighteen Middle School students tried out for a spot in the finals.  Out of the eighteen students, thirteen went on to perform at the finals.

Chief James Pervier, a member of the REAS Board of Directors, was the Emcee for the evening.  He surprised everyone when he came out on stage dressed as a “jail-bird” and belted out “Jail House Rock” by Elvis Presley.  “I was trying to get the kids going– so they’d feel more comfortable about moving around on stage during their performances.”  Students from grades 5, 6, 7, & 8 competed as their parents, grandparents, family members and friends cheered them on.”It was a difficult decision” said Brent Sellew, one of the four judges; “They [the finalists] were all so great”.  The other three judges were Elaine Kingston, Jack Bacon and Kathleen Walker. “We’re amazed at the talent these kids have”, said Kathleen Walker.  “We judged them on their stage presence, their vocals, and also took into consideration the grade they were in.”

After going over the scoring, which the judges said was very close for five of the contestants, they chose the top three. The winners were: 1st Place- Jenna Libera, grade 7, who sang “Second Chance” by Shinedown; 2nd Place - Danielle Angelo, grade 8, who sang “I Want You” by Faith Hill; 3rd Place - Emma Cooke, grade 7, who sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.

Each contestant received a trophy and the 1st place winner received $150, 2nd place winner, $75 and 3rd place winner $50. Jack Bacon said, “We [the judges] believe all the students are winners!  Just to have
the courage to get up in front of an audience and sing is an accomplishment.” The Charlton Middle School Idol Contest was sponsored by the Charlton Chapter of the REAS Foundation, which raises funds for
energy assistance that benefit senior citizens in Charlton.

“I want to thank the students for participating in the idol contest, because it not only gave them a chance to present their talents, but this was an opportunity for the students to help senior citizens in their community with their energy needs.”

Elaine Kingston, Chapter Director
REAS Foundation – Charlton Chapter
P.O. Box 793
Charlton, MA 01507
www.reasfoundation.org/charlton

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