Big talent.
Big stage.
Big check.
Saturday night’s annual “Mohigan Idol” fundraiser for WVU Medicine Children’s brought in exactly $18,773.86 — for the hospital that treats young patients across the Appalachians and oceans.
It was also an exact accounting of the diverse range talent across Monongalia County Schools, as Gretchen Gibson has said over the years.
Gibson is the faculty advisor of the student council of Morgantown High School, the group that has planned and hosted the event since 2008 – the year the-then council approached her with the idea.
They were looking for a way to raise money for the hospital.
“What about something like ‘American Idol?’” they ventured, referring to the network TV talent show then at the top of its viewership.
“That’s a great idea,” their adviser said. “Have at it.”
Have at it, they did.
Acts over the years have included pop-rockers, poetry slammers and metal dudes.
Guitar-shredders and roadhouse troubadours.
Interpreters, both of modern dance and the Great American songbook.
This year, the vocal duo of Lincoln Nichols and Samantha Tubice of Eastwood Elementary took top honors for their version of “A Million Dreams.”
Jahlia Skefferty of Mountaineer Middle sang her way to the top trophy for her rendition of “Forgetting You.”
MHS students Khloe Smith and Gulse Polat won in the high school division, joined by Keri Radonovich, of University High.
Smith sang and played piano on “The Truth” and Polat lent her vocals to “Please Don’t Make Me Love You.” Radonovich sang “All That Matters,” to complete the trio of winners.
“Mohigan Idol” has raised some $250,000 for WVU Medicine Children’s, during its 17-year run.
That includes a banner $40,000 in 2022.
At the height of COVID two years before, the Met was dark because of the quarantine, but distanced, online “Idol” still brought in $10,000 for the cause.
