RUMFORD — The popular singing competition, Voice of the Valley, took place on March 8 in the Muskie Auditorium at Mountain Valley High School.
After expenses, the event raised $1,541, which will be donated to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Among the competitors, the Youth Category (ages 5-11) wowed the audience with three strong singers — Joe Bryant, Wendy Ducas and Elijah Weston. Bryant took home the second place trophy and Ducas won first and returned to compete for the title and trophy of Voice of the Valley.
The Teen Category will filled with 13 entrants, all very strong performers. There was a great variety of music performed by these young ladies. Some sang to honor family members that have battled cancer. Kaitlyn York and Ellie Jasper both dedicated their performance to their grandparents who passed away from cancer. Taking home second was Anna Dunbar. Kathryn Coolidge was the first place winner.
In the Adult Category, Kurt Cihak dedicated his song to people that in his words, “are different,” struggling with social issues like autism, with his song, Don’t Laugh at Me, by Mark Willis. It was truly his greatest performance, touching the hearts of many people in the audience. Kristian Martineau won first and Dennis Moro was second.
The three winners then faced off for the trophy, which was won by Kathryn Coolidge, with her performance of “Valerie.”
Elaine Michaud, a local singer and judge for the event, opened the show by singing the National Anthem, encouraging the audience to sing with her. The MC was Jason Lee, a 2007 Voices of the Valley winner. Casey Child (lighting), Andrea York, Amanda Pelletier and Stephanie Briggs provided stage assistance.
The show was sponsored by Dan Richard, The Fitch Company, Oxford Federal Credit Union, Mary Duchesne, Tompkins Plumbing and Heating, Franklin Savings Bank, S.G. Thibault Funeral Home, Meader and Son Funeral Home, and the Mitchell family.