HALF HOLLOW HILLS
Students Take To The Stage For ‘Idol’
Singing stars steal the show at district-wide talent competition
By Alessandra Malito/amalito@longislandernews.com

“American Idol” got a new celebrity judge this year in Ellen DeGeneres, so why shouldn’t Half Hollow Hills?

Darryl McDaniels, from hip-hop group Run-DMC, surprised the 42 Half Hollow Hills Idol finalists on Feb. 27 as a guest judge for the school district’s singing competition. The finals were held at High School East.

“It went very well. The weather held out, there was no more snow, and there was a very good turnout,” said event co-chair Lisa Muhlbauer. “It was a full house. And everything went smoothly and everyone had a good time. There was a lot of cheering and enthusiasm and it just went extremely well.”

Singing their hearts out and earning top honors at the competition were winners were Briana Williams, of the middle school category, Ali Garrido, of the high school category, and Nick Regueiro, for best entertainer.

“The performances were great and the kids sounded good. They seemed to feel very comfortable on the stage,” Muhlbauer said. “I expect them to be back doing the same thing next year.”

She described the event as a “happy celebration.”

“It was a wonderful culmination of the two semifinals and all who came out with it,” she said.
The winners, announced by Superintendent Sheldon Karnilow, won season tickets to sponsor Atlantis Marine World, recording time and the chance to be a guest DJ on WBLI. They also received an iPod Touch.

“The kids were pleased and weren’t even looking for prizes,” said Muhlbauer. “They just liked being there and being on stage.”

Nonetheless, prizes were part of the perks of being a finalist. Even the students who didn’t win the three main awards received a framed photograph of themselves taken by Hills West student Jennifer Young, along with a DVD of the performance taken by former board of education member Jill Kaufman.

“This year’s talent was outstanding. I thought last year’s was great, but this year was amazing,” said co-chair Parish Swaby. “I just couldn’t believe it. We had 42 contestants and I just felt like it was amazing. So many students at Half Hollow Hills were given opportunities to showcase their talent. I just love the fact that we gave them the opportunity to showcase their talent through this venue.”