BY BRIANNA STALEY
Staff Writer
Senior Stephen Tsambarlis was the winner of this year’s Baldwin Idol singing event. He chose to donate the proceeds that were raised to the Alzheimer’s Foundation because he lost a family member to the disease.
“My grandmother passed away three years ago from the disease,” Tsambarlis said.
He felt that the Alzheimer’s Foundation was the right choice since Alzheimer’s has personally affected his family.
This was Tsambarlis’ first year participating in the event, and more than $1,000 was donated to this charity.
Last year, Baldwin Idol winner Natalie Brown also donated the proceeds from the event to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
“It is important for students to experience the intrinsic benefits of supporting charities,” said music teacher Kris Tranter, who organized Baldwin Idol.
Tranter commended all of the students who participated for using their talents to make a difference in the lives of people in need. He also recognized Tsambarlis’ win and musical ability.
“Stephen has a kind heart, a good sense of humor, and a great work ethic,” Tranter said.
The song that Tsambarlis chose to sing was “Whatsername” by Green Day.
The Baldwin Idol judges were impressed by his natural musical talent and powerful performance.
Each of the judges portrayed celebrities from TV singing competitions. Teachers Michelle Jenkins and Dr. Dan Harrold acted as Jennifer Lopez and Simon Cowell, and Baldwin alum Justin Furtunato played Blake Shelton.
“Nice job. I liked how you went back and forth with the piano,” Fortunato said of the winning performance.
Tsambarlis played the piano for many of the other performers when they sang as well.
To participate in the event, choir students had to submit an application. The number of participants is typically restricted, since the event cannot be too long.
This year, 11 students applied and all of them were able to perform.
The other participants were: Hunter Humphreys, Adam Jackson, Maggie Karabinos, Sydney Keller, Allison Miller, Claire Plunkett, Carly Santillo, Emily Schessler, Katie Werner, and Katie Zemaitis.
Funds were raised through voting. Audience members could vote by placing money into their favorite singer’s ballot box.
It’s all for a good cause, and it has other benefits as well, Tranter said.
Research shows that being involved in charities improves a person’s sense of well-being, social connection, and happiness.
“What is greater than using your talent to have fun and make a difference in the lives of those who are in need?” Tranter said.
