News Release

IWV Campus

"Poetry Slam" and "Coyote Idol" Winners Announced

March 5, 2009

The votes are in for Cerro Coso Community College "Poetry Slam" and "Coyote Idol" Competitions. The Theatre Department's "Poetry Slam" was held on Thursday, February 19, 2009. C.C. Salmons won third place in the Slam with a performance of Autobiography in Five Short Chapters by Portia Nelson and a self-written response. Tying for second place were Ila Johnson and Katherine Fox. Johnson performed Edgar Allen Poe's Annabel Lee and Fox performed Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman. Celia Madison took first place in the Slam, performing her original work entitled Lame Vote. Also participating in the Slam were Brittany Coble, Christian Sherman, Alec Jaks, Travis Miles, Kathleen Sturdy, Daniel Stallings, and Thomas Cozine. Chad Terry, second place winner of the 2007 Slam, was on hand to give a repeat performance of his poem Confessions. Terry also participated in the awards ceremony, passing on the Slam Champion Titles to the new winners.

The crowd that gathered on Friday, February 20, 2009 for the "Third Annual Coyote Idol" was treated to an amazing show of talent. Third place went to Nick Vierra and Brian Cosner for the performance of "Let It Be" by the Beatles. Bianca Anderson came in second with her performance of "Meditation Number One." And this year's Coyote Idols are Leanne Pearl and Josh Rodriguez. Pearl and Rodriguez performed "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel. Other Coyote Idol contestants included Theresa Jones, Curtis Schomberg, Roger Hurst, Alec Jaks, D.J. Rathaur, Ila Johnson, Brittany Coble, Thomas Cozine, Shyanne Evans, Jordan Covert, Melissa Maddux, Krysten Coursey, and Shane Smith. The show was hosted by Calvin Johnson and Rick Tobias. The "celebrity" judges included Christian Sherman as Kara, Katherine Fox as Paula, James Fern as Randy, and Chad Terry as Simon. Audience votes determined the winners.

"Coyote Idol" Contestants Included – (first row, l to r) Rick Tobias, Leanne Pearl, Josh Rodriguez, Alec Jaks, Thomas Cozine, and Jordan Covert. (second row, l to r) Calvin Johnson, Katherine Fox, Christian Sherman, Chad Terry, James Fern, Theresa Jones, Melissa Maddux, Ila Johnson, Brittany Coble, Kysten Coursey, Shyanne Evans, Shane Smith, Bianca Anderson, and Curtis Schomberg.
"Coyote Idol" Winners Included – (l to r) First Place – Leanne Pearl and Josh Rodriguez, Second Place – Bianca Anderson, and Third Place (not pictured) – Nick Vierra and Brian Cosner.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260