(KAIR)--Samuel Nolte has a lot to celebrate.
The Atchison native and current student of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa is the winner of the 2014 “Oh Say Can You Sing” competition, and will now have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Des Moines Symphony's Yankee Doodle Pops concert on July 3rd at the State Capitol.
Nolte says he is feeling wonderful after finding out the results, and could not be happier.
He says he had very high hopes for winning, and was very adamant about getting his friends to vote because it was very important to him. Not only that, but he says it was hard for him to be on top, because the person in second place is a news anchor in Des Moines, who would encourage viewers to vote for her during her morning show.
Nolte was encouraged by many people to try out for the contest, including his college Choir Director. He, along with nine others, sang the National Anthem in front of five judges last week. He was named one of three finalists soon after, and was asked to sing again, this time on camera. Each finalist's video was posted on the Des Moines Symphony's website for people to view and vote on. When the voting ended at noon Friday, Nolte was declared the winner in a very tight race.
Nolte says he would like to thank the entire city of Atchison for supporting him during the vote. He says there were people in Des Moines who were really helpful, but without the people of Atchison, this opportunity would not be possible for him. He especially wants to thank his parents, and all the people that came out to support him, because without them, he says there is no way he would have won.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Severe storms move through NE KS
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Commission approves agreement for budget help
LATEST STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Nemaha NRD honoring Stewardship Week
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Peru State faculty member to be honored
Nebraska Primary Election reminders
Severe storms move through NE KS
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS prepares for severe weekend weather