In an exciting night of song and talent, Atara Schulhof, 14, a freshman at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School, was crowned Teaneck Teen Idol 2014.  Thirteen semi-finalists participated in the seventh annual contest on January 18 sponsored by the Teaneck Community Chorus.  “I’m so thrilled and happy,” said Atara, “I was nervous, but I was able to put that energy into my singing.”

Atara sang “Hallelujah” in the first round and “Let Her Go” in the second.  Miss Schulhof won $250 and a free recording session from HOBO Audio, a nationally recognized recording studio in New York City.

The contest was open to all teenagers living or going to school in Teaneck – and the 13 semi-finalists represented the greatest range of schools in the contest’s history: the Community School, Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School (four students), Teaneck Community Charter School, Teaneck High School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Yavneh Academy.

Judges Jackie Kates, – former Mayor and Community Relations/ Public Affairs Coordinator at Holy Name Medical Center, Kahlil Daniel – singer, actor, director and the first Teaneck Teen Idol in 2005, and Jeremy Lentz, Executive Director of the Teaneck International Film Festival, narrowed down the competition from 13 to five after the first round of songs. The audience decided the winner in the final round.

Paula Merchan of the Community High School and Franklin Robinson of Teaneck High School tied for second place.  Rounding out the top five were Kameelah Brower-Daniel of the Teaneck Community Charter School and Yechiel Hyman of Yavneh Academy.

“It was a terrific evening that represented the very best of Teaneck’s diversity,” Jack Aaker, co-producer of the contest, said.

“I’m so excited and honored to have been chosen as the Teaneck Teen Idol. It was great to share the stage with other great talents in our community, Leora and Yechiel Hyman and Talia Kupferman. I love singing and to be acknowledged in this way is something I’ll never forget,” Miss Schulhof added.