Howell youth wins competition

HOWELL - Stephanie Hanvey, 10, of Howell, outsang, outshined and ultimately outdid the competition to win the 6- to 11-year-old age category in the NJ Fame Game. The statewide singing contest to benefit Prevent Child Abuse - New Jersey (PCANJ) was held April 13 in Spring Lake Heights.

According to a press release, Hanvey's rendition of "Just Like You" by Hannah Montana won her praise from the audience and the judges, and a $500 scholarship.

"Stephanie gave a wonderful performance, but it was her willingness to share her talent to help New Jersey's children in need that makes her a real winner," said HughMiller, CEO of HollyRock/MillerMarketing Communications, creator of the event. "Our 60 contestants, three talented judges and enthusiastic audience made this event a resounding success."

NJ Fame Game brought together students between the ages of 6 and 22 from all over New Jersey to compete for a good cause. Participants performed live in front of an audience and judges, including international jazz star Sandy Sasso, BMI

songwriter and studio musician

Peter Myers and WPST-FM

DJ Toni Ryan.

Other winners include Victoria Prichard, 12, from Spring Lake Heights, Kevin Stawicki, 16, from Robbinsville, and Cheryl Hogya, 20, from Sayreville. All proceeds from ticket sales went directly to PCANJ.

PCA-NJ is a statewide, nonprofit organization founded in 1979 to eliminate child abuse and neglect in all its forms for all of New Jersey's children.An affiliate of Prevent ChildAbuseAmerica, PCA-NJ establishes local partnerships to build communities, strengthen families and empower parents, according to the press release.