Lindsey Sylvania Named 2019 BMS Idol; Wagner, Schroeder Take Runner-Up Titles
By Julie Perine on May 21, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
The annual BMS Idol talent competition took place Monday at Bridgeport Middle School. Taking top honors was Lindsey Sylvania, first place; Tori Wagner, first runner-up and Sophia Schroeder, second runner-up.
After advancing through preliminary rounds, 12 students in grades 6 through 8 competed in the finals before their student peers and panel of judges, displaying vocal and instrumental talents.
Sixth grade finalists were vocalists Kaylee Enfield and Lilly Smart, pianist John Honce and guitarist/vocalist Tori Wagner. Seventh grade finalists were vocalists Izaiah Snyder and Mollie Oliverio, pianist Sophia Schroeder and ukulele player/vocalist Bella Siers. Eighth grade finalists were vocalists Lindsey Sylvania and Reese Weaver, pianist Amelia Hughes and guitarist/vocalist Broder White.
This is Sylvania’s first year to participate in BMS Idol, although she has given it some thought over the last couple of years.
“I told my friends I was going to do it, but always backed out because I got nervous, but this year I felt led to do it and considering the message behind the song and that it let me spread good news to people, I was thankful for the opportunity.”
The song she shared was “House on a Hill” by Amanda Cook. The first time she heard the song, it brought her encouragement and hope. She wanted others to feel that way, she said.
Sylvania said she was surprised to hear her name called as BMS Idol and even though it made her happy, it wasn’t the title that was her main pursuit.
“I was so surprised. I didn’t think I would even place,” she said. “I just wanted to sing.”
Her takeaway, she said, is that she wants to again take opportunities to share faith-based messages with her peers and others.
“Whether that’s through music or writing or something else, that’s definitely something I want to continue to pursue,” she said.
Emceeing BMS Idol 2019 was 2018 BMS Idol Ellie Hart.
Principal Dave Mazza said BMS Idol is a school tradition; one to which students and staff look forward to annually.
"BMS Idol is in its 12th year. The kids and the staff enjoy the competition and look forward to seeing who will be the next 'Idol,'" he said. "We have so may talented students in our building. They love performing in front of their peers and their parents."
Serving on the panel of judges were Jason Campbell, Christian Mazza, Patty Smith and Gerrod Bee.
"I try to get judges who have a music background and ask them to perform after the competition," he said. "The kids had a lot of fun."
While scores were tabulated, Hart performed a vocal number. Bee and Smith also performed for the students and guests.
BMS Idol is a great way to celebrate and relax after the state summative assessments. It is also a good way to build rapport among students, who are always very supportive of one another, said Nell Givens, BMS band and choral director.
“Every year, students look forward to seeing what talent their peers have,” she said. “In some cases, fellow students and teachers have no idea what these students are capable of and are amazed when they finally see them perform.”
Editor's Note: Pictured top/cover are (left to right) first runner-up Tori Wagner, second runner-up Sophia Schroeder and BMS Idol 2019 Lindsey Sylvania. Also pictured is Sylvania presenting her winning performance at the BMS Idol competition and BMS Idol Judges Jason Campbell, Christian Mazza, Patty Smith and Gerrod Bee. See additional photos at the gallery link below. Photos are courtesy of Nell Givens.
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