Ramsey May 8, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Out of 233 active fifth grade DARE students, no fewer than 103 rose to the challenge and participated in this year’s Ramsey DARE Idol selection process. A star-studded panel of judges has painstakingly narrowed down the pool of brighteyed contestants to 10 finalists and one alternate. DARE Officer Tim Shoemaker recently notified the talented performers of their fate. At 7 p.m. on May 11, this amazing group of kids will gather at Don Bosco Prep to treat one lucky audience to the show of their lives. Kylie Featherstone, Jordan Hurley, DARE Idol Season V contestants advance to finals Evelyn Ivry, Emma Larson, Olivia Molinari, Kaitlyn Murad, Julia Nigrelli, Julia Scavone, Ava Sciubba, Jacklyn Stoler, and Kaylie Voigt will be performing on behalf of their peers. The audition process is specifically designed to create pressure similar to that encountered under coercive social situations. Participants receive intrinsic rewards for having pushed through it. The positive lessons learned from the Idol process help prepare the kids for the tumultuous teenage years when peer pressure reigns supreme. The spectacular final show is a celebration of the power and pride demonstrated by the entire body of the Dater School and Saint Paul School contestants. The exciting finale has quickly sold out in each of its seven prior seasons. The show includes local celebrity singers, souvenirs, professional sound and visual effects, Hollywood style spotlights, and just over 800 seats full of excited DARE Idol fans. A live audience vote will determine the winner. The show has won widespread accolades, with prior winners each being invited to sing at Atlantic City casinos and in Nashville, Tennessee. Past Ramsey Idols have wowed local crowds on Ramsey Day and have sung the national anthem at the annual DARE v. Wizards basketball games. The success of the Ramsey DARE Idol program itself was officially recognized in 2009 by DARE N.J. and nationally in 2011 by DARE America. Tickets for the DARE Idol finale are $15 each and are already selling fast. For tickets, visit www.2013DAREIDOL.eventbrite.com. Please note that tickets will not be available at the door. Don Bosco Prep is located at 492 North Franklin Turnpike in Ramsey.