All Shine At MEO Tri-State Idol
The theme of the 8th annual Marian Education Outreach Tri-State Idol, “So All Will Shine,” was befitting the talent performing and the underlying purpose of the event held at St. Mary’s Manor in Evansville on March 4. Five acts sparkled while performing hits ranging in genre from Pop to Broadway, record crowds bid on silent and live auction items, all while supporting the cause of enhancing learning for every student in the Evansville Diocesan schools.
“We are better because of the programming and the work of MEO,” Father Alex Zenthoefer, pastor at Annunciation Parish in Evansville, told the crowd during his testimonial with Jamie Broeker, Special Education Teacher at Annunciation School Holy Spirit Campus. “Their programming and resources bring diversity in education that gives a greater richness and depth to our work in Catholic education.”
Sharing her student’s experiences with emotion in her voice, Broeker told of her complete awe thinking of all the obstacles her students have overcome. Small steps have led to shining moments for her students.
And of course, shining brightest were the performers themselves. At the end of the evening, Reitz Memorial High School students Molly Church and Nolan Durcholz were announced as this year’s winners. Mater Dei High School sophomore Julia Knight received second place, followed by third place winners Ellie Durcholz and Grace Poole of Reitz Memorial High School. Mount Vernon High School junior Jackson Elaman and Reitz Memorial High School senior Colton Colbert also gave outstanding performances. Additional performers included former contestants and winners Stasia Reisinger, Sullivan Cox and Meghan Gallagher.
Marian Educational Outreach is a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Evansville committed to providing opportunities for students with unique learning needs to reach their highest potential while remaining in the Catholic school system. For more information, please contact MEO Executive Director Bev Williamson at bwilliamson@evdio.org.
