9 April 2008, Belleville, ON—The powerful sounds of voice and music are ringing through Moira Secondary School as students showcase their vocal talent. The 3rd Annual Moira Secondary School Idol Contest is underway. The elimination round wound up earlier today. Final performances are scheduled for Thursday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m. .

The idol format follows the Canadian and American idol contests. Many of the Moira Secondary School students are too young to compete in the national event due to the age 16 requirement.

According to teacher John Harpell, "The community support has been great, with sponsors like Shay Bedard from World Sound Studio offering four hours of studio recording time for the first place winner," a $500 prize. Some of the other sponsors include:

• Quinte Mall, which has provided first, second and third place packages
• Culligan Water, Rachel's Tarts, Ray and Jim's Trophys and Tim Horton's
• . . . plus numerous other local busineses

Event judges for the final evening include Todd Smith from MIX-97, Darren MacPherson from Cool 100, and Jennifer Brant from Quinte Mohawk School. The local judges give fair and consistant opinion based on the performance rather than the person. The event emcee will be Tawnya Smith, who has been involved for the past two years.

In total, 34 Moira Secondary School students performed during the elimination round. It was narrowed down to 11 finalists, who will perform on Thursday, April 17. This event will be open to the public, with a $5 admission. All money raised is used to improve the audio equipment in the school gym. Over the past two years, the funds have been applied towards a new mixing board, microphones and a new cordless lapel microphone.

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For more information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354