O'BRYAN, SAMONS WIN ALLEN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BIG SANDY IDOL COMPETITION

Colby O'Bryan, left, was crowned the winner of the Big Sandy Idol competition at Allen Central High School on Friday, October 30. Mackynzie Samons was runner-up. Both will advance to the Big Sandy Idol Regional Competition in March at the Mountain Arts Center.

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) held its Big Sandy Idol Competition at Allen Central High School on Friday, October 30. Big Sandy Idol is sponsored by Gearheart Communications.

Nine students participated for coveted spots for the annual Big Sandy Idol Regional Competition, which will be held in March at the Mountain Arts Center. Colby O'Bryan was crowned the winner, and Mackynzie Samons was runner-up. Both will advance to the Regional Competition and have a chance to earn a spot on the Big Sandy Singers, an album recording and other prizes.

The talent was unbelievable, said Clayton Case, director of Fine Arts at BSCTC. It seems like each year the talent increases throughout our region.

Students at Allen Central were also treated to a concert by the Big Sandy Singers and Band, an elite group of vocalists and musicians comprised of BSCTC students.

Big Sandy Idol is celebrating its tenth season. More than 1,200 students have participated in Big Sandy Idol over the past nine years. The Big Sandy Idol Competition along with the Big Sandy Singers programs have awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships over the years.

For more information about Big Sandy Idol or the Big Sandy Singers and Band, contact Clayton Case at (606) 886-7388 or email ccase0005@kctcs.edu or Candace Kelly at (606) 886-7384 or email fkelly0004@kctcs.edu.