Oregon: Clay High School crowns 2 'Eagle Idol'

4/13/2005

Two seniors were crowned Eagle Idol last week in Clay High School's local version of Fox network's American Idol.

Jon Hartke, 18, who played lead guitar and vocals, and Brian Nyers, 17, who played backup, will each receive a season pass to Cedar Point in Sandusky for winning the competition.

Though they weren't the ultimate champion in the competition, the five members of the band who called themselves The Eagle Idol Champs each won a $25 Best Buy gift certificate for coming in second place.

Third prize went to freshman Kirstie Bliss, 14, who was the only individual who sang alone in front of her classmates at the competition. She will enjoy movie passes and a gift certificate for snacks at the Maumee Indoor Theatre.

More than 700 students attended the final performance, held during an afternoon assembly March 24, to watch and vote for their favorite among the four bands and one individual who competed by either singing, playing an instrument, or both for the title of Eagle Idol, Junior Class President Jon McQueary said.

Each student paid $1 for the early-bird special or $2 at the door, so the event grossed about $850, Mr. McQueary said. The money from the event - sponsored by Clay's junior class - will be used for a possible senior trip next year.

Freshman Chris Laster, 15, and the three eighth graders who make up the band East Hampton, came in fourth place.

The band White Trash, made up of seven students who are also members of Clay's drum line, came in fifth place.