Yellowknife (Oct 20/04) - With microphones in hand, staff members belted out everything from a Cyndi Lauper classic to the Village People anthem "YMCA" during the opening day of St. Patrick High School's Idol contest, Monday.

The competition is based on the smash television hit American Idol which spawned Canadian Idol and the Legion's North of 60 Idol.

To the hoots and hollers of roughly 60 kids, the teachers kicked off the week-long contest with a memorable version of the Village People's YMCA.

While motorcycle helmets and feathered headdresses proved hard to come by, the teachers demonstrated their creative flare by donning -- among other things -- a yellow squall cap, a green stovepipe hat and a tiara.

"Overall it was pretty good," said Bryan Monks of the teachers' rendition of YMCA. Monks was one of four student judges. "It's not an easy thing to do."

"I wouldn't do it," said Grade 10 student Laura Radicchi, another judge. "They deserved a thumbs up."

Following Monday's balladeering, several would-be St. Pat's Idols signed up for the student competition. Two rounds went Tuesday and Wednesday with the finals going Friday. The winner will receive prizes from the school's tuck shop. Last year's first place contestant also sang Oh Canada at the graduation ceremony.

While accolades - if not immediate fame and fortune - will surround the winner, teacher Kelly Janes said the motivation behind the contest was not to simply determine the best singer at St. Pat's. "We want to build school spirit," she said. "And this has been a great way to do it."

"It's been a lot of fun," added Susan Huvenaars, Bridges Program Co-ordinator. "Kids have been talking about it all weeks and the staff (were) really looking forward to getting on stage and singing."