Amy Higgins

June 19, 2009 -- Walt Disney World really is the place where dreams come true. Just ask Missy Long, a singer with Elyria High School's Madrigal group whose stellar performance in a new American Idol attraction at the park earned her a ticket to audition for the real thing. Long participated in the "American Idol Experience," a Disney attraction that lets park goers perform and vote for their favorite singers of the day. The lucky winner of the title "Best Singer" earns a Disney Dream Ticket to sing in any regional American Idol audition in the country.

Long and four fellow Madrigal singers tried out for producers of the show and all five earned spots in the competition. The attraction -- a complete replica of the hit television show from backstage hair, makeup and vocal coaching to a live performance in front of a 1,000-person audience -- auditions 400 American Idol hopefuls a day for a mere 21 spots in seven shows; three contestants per performance. At the end of the day, the seven finalists who've earned the most audience votes compete for Best Singer and a Dream Ticket which not only assures them an American Idol audition but also moves them to the front of the line. The Dream Ticket is good for 10 years as long as the contestant meets American Idol T.V. program requirements.

Long won the Dream Ticket with a rendition of "Colors of the Wind" from the Disney animated film, Pocahontas, and says that she does plan to audition for the hit talent show. Fellow EHS Madrigal Jen Howser, best known locally as "Marty" from the 2009 Spring production of Grease at EHS, earned third place in her competition and described the experience as, "amazing." Long and Howser graduated from Elyria High School in 2009.

Photo Captions:
Picture 1: Missy Long practices backstage with the vocal coach.
Picture 2: Missy Long on the American Idol stage at Disney.
Picture 3: Jen Howser earns a place in the competition.
Picture 4: The five competition finalists, from left: Kelsey Veliconia, Missy Long, Jacob Hebble, Jen Howser, Brittany Fischer.

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3/11	End of 3rd Grading Period - EHS Only
3/12	Records Day - No School - EHS Students Only
3/30	End of 3rd Grading Period - Elem. & Jr. High Only
3/31	Records Day - No School - Elem. & Jr. High Students Only
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4/2	Spring Break Begins - Schools Closed
4/12	School Resumes