RATLIFF, HATFIELD WIN EAST RIDGE

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) held its Big Sandy Idol Competition at East Ridge on Friday, September 18. Big Sandy Idol is sponsored by Gearheart Communications.

Six students participated for coveted spots for the annual Big Sandy Idol Regional Competition, which will be held in March at the Mountain Arts Center. Katie Ratliff was crowned the winner, and Chelsie Hatfield finished as 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 East Ridge 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 participate in the program over the years. The competition, along with the Big Sandy Singers program, have awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships.

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.