4/3/2009
Nanticoke Education Center crowns its very own ‘Idol’
Students, faculty and staff of the Greater Nanticoke Education Center recently presented “GNA Idol.”
Pam Urbanski writes “Nanticoke Area Notes” every other Thursday. Story ideas and news items can be e-mailed to her at pamurb806@aol.com.

The center houses sixth and seventh grade students and the event was organized by Frank Nutaitis, seventh grade English teacher, and J.D. Verazin, custodian and web designer. Twenty-three students took part in the competition. “We have some really talented students. It was hard to pick 12 finalists from the original 23 students,” said Nutaitis.
There was not a famous celebrity announcing and judging contestants, but some rather friendly faces as 12 finalists took the stage, vying for the title of “Ed Center Idol.”
Verazin, Nutaitis and Nina Matzoni, school transportation assistant and attendance officer, tried to calm nerves and add a little humor to the program as they portrayed Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul, the original “American Idol” judges.
“We had a great time trying to act out parts of the television judges,” said Verazin.
Nutaitis and Verazin didn’t stop at organizing and judging. Each were guest performers in front of a standing-room-only crowd. Verazin performed an energetic rendition of John Cougar Mellencamp’s “Hurts so Good,” while Nutaitis sang “Over the Rainbow,” accompanying himself on electric guitar.
“I think we had more fun than the students. This event wasn’t only about who could sing the best, but it was an opportunity for everyone at the center, adults and students, to come together to build relationships that, in turn, can only make the school and education process top notch,” Nutaitis said.
So who was named the GNA Ed Center Idol? It was Morgan Elmy, a sixth-grade student captured first place. Mary Mash placed second and Jacyln Victor finished third.
"Ed Center Idol On Tour" will be at the Nanticoke Music Fest on Saturday, June 6th at Patriot's Park in Nanticoke. See all your favorite idols there. They will be appearing on stage at 4:00 p.m. followed by other top name entertainment. Click here for information.

Ed Center || Top