Meet the contestants in the Schomberg Idol competition

Sarah Forestieri Sarah is studying Grade 4 Conservatory. She has placed first at the Peel Music Festival and the Newmarket Lions Festival; and second at the Arcadia FunFest. Sarah performs at concerts and is a member of her school choir.

The hunt is on for the first Schomberg Idol.

The Schomberg Agricultural Society, in co-operation with Arcadia Academy of Music in Nobleton, is sponsoring the contest, which is aimed at promoting community pride and involvement, cultural environment, youth involvement and youth opportunity.

Andrea Kollo, who is organizing the contest, said the first event will be March 3 at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Schomberg, at which all 13 contestants will be appearing.

After that, work will start on whittling down the field at subsequent events. They will be April 14 at Kitchen-Breedon Manor in Schomberg and May 21 at the Victoria Day celebrations in Nobleton. The finale of the competition will be at Schomberg Fair later in May.

The winner of the Schomberg Idol will also have the opportunity to represent Schomberg Agricultural Society at local fairs and events throughout the coming year.

Jeffrey Byron Lean Jeffrey was the musical lead in the Pied Piper and has come in first in 2004 and 2005 at the Alliston Arts Festival. He received Gold and Silver in 2006 at the Lions Arts Festival and was the vocal finalist in 2006 at the Celebration of Arts Newmarket Theatre.

The Sentinel will be introducing the contestants in its February editions, with the first three being presented today.

Michala Todd Michala is in her fourth year training vocally at the Modern Conservatory of Music in Alliston. She has sungK at: bluegrass festivals and senior citizen events, and has participated in many competitions and local theatre. She appeared in Bye Bye Birdie and Dig It.