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Danielle Vanover won 1st place with her rendition of “I’ll fly away.” Staci Stewart -
Danielle Vanover, Elizabeth Holmes, Kinsler Underwood, Jarred Mayes and Akira Arles. Staci Stewart
The Doghouse in Tishomingo hosted The Voice of Johnston County on March 7, 2023. It was the inaugural opening for the contest, and it consisted of 17 boys and girls from second to eighth grade.
The excitement was palpable throughout the Doghouse. The contestants were ready and waiting for their name to be called to jump up on the stage and “Wow” the crowd. The crowd was standing room only.
Each table was filled with proudmoms,dads,grandparents and more, waiting with great anticipation to hear their loved one perform. As their names were called to entertain, one could see some fearful and some self-assured faces. Each child had a unique talent to show off. The talent in the Johnson County youth is awe-inspiring.
Music is very important, and one might say this contest brought communities together. Judy Foster, a MannsvilleandRaviaschools music teacher expressed how music has been shown to raise test scores in schools. Music education can improve and develop language skills. Music in schools is very significant.
The Voice gave the students an opportunity to express themselves and build confidence, and did they ever show how confident and engaged theywere.Brainswere stimulated young and old at the contest.
There is power in music. Trey Hays, Tishomingo Elementary School Fine Arts teacher and the event emcee stated, “This event was a team mission.” The team consisted of Judy Foster, Christian Charles, Junk Stars Manager and Trey Hays, Tishomingo Elementary Fine Arts Teacher.
The judges included Dorothy Shackelford, the mother of country music star Blake Shelton, Emily Rhyne who was a contestant herself on TheVoiceonNBCandSusan Yeager, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at Murray State College. The sound technician was Anna-Fisher Owens.
There were numerous volunteers and a silent auction with outstanding items donated from local individuals and businesses. Hayes stated, “This was a community fundraiser dedicated to raising funds and collecting resources for area schools’ music programs.” This contest is not affiliated with NBC’s The Voice. Hays stated that “This will become an annual event for Johnston County.”
After gift cards and door prizes were given to all remaining contestants, it was time to announce the top five winners. Those winners then had a sing-off.
There was a tiebreaker for fourth place. The fifth-place winner was Akira Arles from Mill Creek; fourth-place winner was Jarred Mayes from Mannsville; third-place winner was Kinsler Underwood from Mill Creek; and secondplace Elizabeth Holmes from Tishomingo.
First place went to sevenyear- old Danielle Vanover from Coleman Elementary School with her a cappella performance of “I’ll Fly Away”, leaving hardly a dry eye in the house. The event raised$3,703.00forthemusic school programs.