Tri-County Grad Heads to Dollywood for
Summer Gig
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/3/2005
CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, 646-1506
(By Lisa Garrett)
PENDLETON --- When making plans for her summer break, Kendal Durham
never banked on spending the entire three months at Dollywood, performing
in the Country Crossroads outdoor theme show.
 Durham,
who is set to receive her associate in Science degree from Tri-County
Technical College May 9, got word recently that she was the only contestant
from an audition in Atlanta selected for the live entertainment show
that features country music. There have been 1,000 auditions all over
the country. It's a real break for Durham, who has been singing in the
community for years and has always entertained thoughts of a singing
career.
"I'm scared about moving away from home," said Durham, "but
I'm excited about this opportunity and hope it leads to bigger and better
opportunities." After final exams at Tri-County, she moved to Pigeon
Forge to begin rehearsals for her four-shows a day, five-days-a-week
performances. Her opening day is May 14. "Exams were April 26,
I packed up and moved April 27, and rehearsals began April 28,"
said Durham. "I didn't know it would happen this fast. It will
be a tremendous opportunity, and I'll get to meet a lot of people, including
Dolly Parton."
Not long after auditions, she got a call offering her the job. "I
feel honored to be chosen from so many contestants. I have to seize
this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." She spent her last days at
home, studying for three exams and packing for the summer.
The 20-year-old Pendleton High School graduate says beginning college
at Tri-County was the right choice for her for several reasons. It was
close to home, and college tuition was paid through the LIFE scholarship
and a Tri-County endowed scholarship. Durham, who is set to begin classes
this fall at Clemson University, will study elementary education.
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