RUMFORD — Voices Of The Valley, a singing competition, took place March 8 at Mountain Valley High School. Elaine Michaud, a local singer and judge for the event, opened the show singing the National Anthem; she encouraged the audience to sing with her.

The youths (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 was filled with 13 entries, 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 performances to their grandparents who passed away from cancer. Taking home second was Anna Dunbar. Kathryn Coolidge was the first-place winner.

Kurt Cihak, a performer in the adult category, 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. Dennis Moro won second place and Kristian Martineau won first.

The three winners then faced off for the trophy, which was won by  Kathryn Coolidge.

Jason Lee, a Voice Of The Valley 2007 winner, was MC for the evening; Casey Child did lighting and Andrea York, Amanda Pelletier and Stephanie Briggs were stage assistants.

The proceeds for the event benefit the American Cancer Society River Valley Relay For Life.