More than 70 local students vied for a variety of prizes March 24 at the 9th Annual Club Live Countywide Lip Sync Competition.
The event, which featured the best lip sync acts from 18 middle schools in Sacramento County, was held at the historic downtown Sacramento Crest Theatre by the Prevention and Student Services Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. The Lip Sync Competition originated nearly a decade ago as a means of showing students that drug- and alcohol-free celebrations are meaningful and fun.
County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon welcomed the contestants, their teachers, friends and families. "Some of our talented contestants have the potential to become famous performers," he said. "But all of our contestants have the potential to become leaders in their communities. Their participation in Club Live is testimony to that." Master of ceremonies Cline Moore introduced each group of performers, whose colorful costumes, props, "singing" and dancing delighted the audience. Student contestants ranged in age from 12 to 14 years. Each received a Club Live t-shirt for participating. Winners received cash and merchandise prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.
Serving as judges were:
- Jim Kooler, Administrator, California Friday Night Live Partnership;
- Tim Herrera, Director, Communications, Sacramento County Office of Education;
- Paulette Malloy, Sacramento County Prevention Coordinator;
- Cortez Quinn, Chief of Staff for County Supervisor Roger Dickinson;
- Ted Wolter, Chief of Staff for County Supervisor Roberta McGlashan;
- Chris K, Air Talent/Music Director, radio station 107.9 The End; and
- Angel Thao, Friday Night Live County Youth Council Member.
Providing prizes and other support for the Club Live Countywide Lip Sync Competition were:
- Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Company,
- Heritage Community Credit Union of Mather,
- Creekside Counseling of Elk Grove,
- Grant Union High School Friday Night Live,
- Laguna Creek High School Associated Student Body,
- Chad Posner of Lincoln Financial,
- the Michael Chisholm Memorial,
- the William Orrock Memorial,
- Northern Artists Films,
- the Screen Machine,
- Target Store of Rancho Cordova,
- Washington Mutual of Fair Oaks,
- Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc., and
- Michael Leotard, LCSW.
Additional assistance was provided by members of the Friday Night Live County Youth Council, staff of the Sacramento County Office of Education, and dozens of community volunteers.
The Club Live program operates on middle school campuses throughout the county. It provides opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, build positive peer and adult relationships, and become involved as active leaders and resources in their school and community. Each year, many middle school students in Sacramento County participate in exciting and beneficial Club Live activities.