Fifth Annual PV Idol to Benefit Charities

Reading Specialist Sandra McWilliams spoke excitedly of what she calls "a show of talent for charity." In its fifth strong year, PV Idol is back and bigger than ever. Participating in the show are 150 students and teachers, which will be held at the high school Thursday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. 

"Last year, we raised over $35,000 for the American Cancer Association," McWilliams said, regarding the multi-year fundraising total. "It's amazing, especially since we're only grades kindergarten through third."

This year, two teachers will be playing the roles of Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez. Steven Tyler will be played by the school custodian, who's also a guitar buff. One can only hope he dons a pink, ruffled blouse.

There are 40 or so acts participating, both individual and group. According to McWilliams, who is the master of ceremonies, there will be every type of act, from singing and dancing to gymnastics and piano.

"One [teacher] group is performing a dance to 'Black and Yellow,'" McWilliams said, referring to Wiz Khalifa's No. 1 hit. "Another group, the 'Motown 5,' will be singing Marvin Gaye. One teacher and her entire class will be performing 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' The teacher even made costumes."

Talent won't be judged, the amount of money collected in each student's self-designed box will be crowned the 2010-2011 PV Idol.

"Students decorated boxes according to their group or talent, which are on display in the school library," McWilliams said. "Two winners will be chosen — an individual and a group. We have a big celebration and the students will receive trophies. I like to call it 'a show of talent for charity.'" 

In addition to monies collected for the American Cancer Association, McWilliams said a food bank truck will be parked outside of the high school to benefit the Washington County Food Bank. 

"Last year we collected over 2,000 pounds of canned goods for the food bank," she said.

It's lights, camera, action 6:30 p.m. Thursday night. In addition to the student and teacher performances, the Pleasant Valley Relay for Life team will perform. Be sure to bring a canned good or two, and checks made out to the American Cancer Association will be accepted on behalf of the performers.