Fifth Tri-State IDOL Spotlights
The Fifth Annual Marian Educational Outreach Tri-State IDOL turned out to be way more fun than competitive, and nobody minded – not event the six finalists (four individuals and two duos) who performed.
IDOL also turned out to be way more of an enjoyable evening than a fundraiser – although it was, indeed, a very effective MEO fundraiser for the fifth straight year.
Reitz Memorial freshman Sullivan Cox won the competition. She performed “If I Die Young,” which was a hit for The Band Perry. Second-place finisher Nathan Wright, a 2013 graduate of Mater Dei High School and pre-chiropractic major at the University of Southern Indiana, performed James Taylor’s classic “Fire and Rain.”
Nolan Durcholz, a sophomore at Reitz Memorial, finished third after singing the Michael Bublé hit “I Haven’t Met You Yet.” Finalist Monica Meisling sang “Beauty and the Beast.” She is a Reitz Memorial graduate who earned a degree in nursing, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Evansville in 2014.
Two duos also competed in the finals. Siblings Natalie and Justin Lyons performed the Bobby Darren classic “Dream Lover.” Natalie is a sophomore and Justin a senior at Mater Dei. The due of Taylor Goebel and Ben Dahlquist actually met during IDOL auditions, and performed “Dream A Little Dream” by the Mamas and Papas. Goebel is a sophomore at Mater Dei, and Dahlquist graduated from Newburgh’s Castle High School.
WFIE-TV 14 News anchor Mike Blake emceed the evening, which included a silent auction and dinner. “I believe we can agree that there is enormous talent on our stage this evening,” Blake said after the finalists performed, eliciting an ovation from the large crowd.
“Marian Educational Outreach lifts up the dignity in each of us,” Bishop Charles C. Thompson said in remarks before he offered the blessing for dinner. “Thank you for that witness.”
“Success is about each student flourishing in the gifts God has given them,” said Father Alex Zenthoefer, pastor of Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Evansville, which has two school campuses – Christ the King and Holy Spirit. Father Zenthoefer also serves as chaplain at Reitz Memorial. “This is what MEO does. (Students) can be themselves and be proud of who they are because that’s the way God Made them.”
MEO Executive Director Beverly Williamson introduced Sister Beatta Mehling, who founded what has become MEO by starting Marian Day School in 1958. Williamson also thanked the crowd for their contributions to the organization through the silent auction and the finalist voting. Attendees bought votes that they cast for performers.
Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Daryl Hagan spoke to the audience about this year’s “Fund an Item” project – the provision of continuing education to teachers involved in MEO programs. In less than 10 minutes, donors contributed more than $9,000 in funding – in addition to money raised by the silent auction and finalist voting.
Just before announcing IDOL results, Blake introduced Evansville native and Reitz Memorial graduate Jama Williamson a successful and busy actress who also is Beverly Williamson’s daughter. Jama talked about the upcoming theatrical release of “I Am Potential, a film that tells the true story of Louisville, Ky.-area native Patrick Henry Hughes.
Hughes was born with a rare genetic disorder that left him without eyes and physically disabled. But he was also blessed with exceptional musical talent. “I am Potential” tells the story, primarily through his father’s eyes, of the journey to overcome seemingly impossible odds and allow the world to see his God-given potential.
Jama Williamson plays Patrick Henry’s mother, Patricia, in “I am Potential.” The film is scheduled for release during the second week of July.
