May 01, 2024

Berg Middle School Lip Sync Competition looks to build on last year’s ‘huge success’

By Justin Jagler

Left: The duo of Kyle Long, left, and Zach Kohlmeyer performed as the boy band “Second Direction” during last year’s Lip Sync Competition. (File Photo)

Berg Middle School is hosting its second annual Lip Sync Competition the evening of Feb. 17 in the BMS gym. Cost of admission is $3, and proceeds will go to the school’s student council.

A silent auction featuring Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones gear will also take place at the event. Baked goods will be available, too. The silent auction will help raise funds for a speaker to visit the school next year.

BMS teacher Tyler Stewart organized the event. He said the competition, which will be hosted by Tara Zehr and Trent Powers, is scheduled on a Friday night in order to maximize attendance. New to this year’s competition is a high school division.

“Last year’s Lip Sync Competition was a huge success,” Stewart said. “Everyone who attended enjoyed it greatly, and there is a huge buzz this year for the second annual Lip Sync Competition.”

There will be more than 60 students participating in the event. Stewart said to expect about six middle school groups and six high school groups.

Song entries are still being turned in, but early indications are that this year’s competition will include music by Black Eyed Peas, Vanessa Carlton and Vanilla Ice.

“We have a couple of groups doing a mashup of several songs and one doing a history of music mashup,” Stewart said.

Six district teachers will serve as judges and determine the winner.

Several businesses in Newton and some from Des Moines donated items for the silent auction. Stewart said businesses are still sending in gift cards for the event.

“Local businesses such as Domino’s Pizza, Bridge House Coffee, KFC, Montana Mikes, Moo’s BBQ, Taco Bell, Pagliai’s Pizza, Michael’s Pizza, and Family Video have all donated,” Stewart said. “Local State Farm agent Lonnie Portner has graciously donated $200 to be our main sponsor this year.”

Many other Des Moines restaurants chipped in, including Buzzard Billy’s, Jethro’s BBQ, Americana Restaurant and Lounge, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Drake University donated four tickets to its Feb. 25 basketball game. The Newton Athletics Booster Club donated Newton Cardinal apparel for the auction, too.

Contact Justin Jagler at
641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com