Greater Hartford Idol ends on a high note
By Judie Jacobson

DEC 10, 2004 - WEST HARTFORD n All  that vocalizing paid off for Ryan Kurtis and Dana Sullivan last Saturday night, when they sang their way to first place in the finals of their respective categories of the Greater Hartford Idol contest, organized by the Hartford Hillel Foundation of the University of Hartford (UHA) and Central Connecticut State University (CCSU).
Close to 400 people filled the Herbert Gilman Theater of the Greater Hartford Jewish Community Center (JCC) in West Hartford to hear 16 singers compete in two separate categories, one for students attending UHA and CCSU; and the other for members of the Jewish community, representing a variety of area synagogues.  The winners were selected by audience vote. It seemed too close to call, as several contestants had their own cheering sections.
Kurtis, who won $1,000 for his West Hartford synagogue, said, "I've been a member of Emanuel Synagogue my whole life and it made me happy to give something back, because the synagogue has given so much to me." 
A senior at Hall High in West Hartford, where he is also president of the senior class and captain of the varsity cross country and swim teams, Kurtis, 18, is a member of the vocal ensemble, Hall High Choraliers, and has performed in musical shows at the JCC for the past six years. At the contest, he performed "Do You Hear the People Sing" from "Les Miserables."
In addition to the synagogue prize, he took home a $500 gift certificate to La Perla jewelers n which he does not expect to spend on himself.  
"Mom," he advised," this is going to be an exceptional Chanukah for you!"
As the winner of the top prize in the student category, Dana Sullivan of Wayland, Mass., took home a $1,000 check n which she plans to use towards the purchase of a car.
A junior at the University of Hartford majoring in vocal musical performance, Sullivan has performed in more than 30 musicals since the age of 10.
The evening also included a silent auction and dessert reception.
"It was a great event," said Hillel executive director Sarah Laub.  "We set out to raise money to show the community what a great place Hillel is.  Best of all, we were so proud to be responsible for an event that brought the whole Jewish community together.  Everyone had a tremendous time."
According to Laub, this could be the start of something big.
"The contestants are already talking about trying out for next year!"