WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: Berg’s annual Lip Sync Battle brings back sense of normalcy

It’s hard to believe the Berg Middle School Student Council’s annual Lip Sync Battle almost didn’t hap--pen this year. With the ongoing pandemic weighing over the minds of teachers and students, it was impossible to predict what life would be like in a few months. Even with vaccinations on the rise.

When school started, middle school teacher and student council sponsor Tyler Stewart was beginning to think the battle would have to be canceled. It was close. Closer than Stewart is probably willing to admit. But he and the student council decided to wait it out. It was the Lip Sync Battle after all.

It was a tough call, but their patience was rewarded in time for the CDC to announce people that have been vaccinated do not need to wear masks.

“Getting everybody here and being able to just have this event shows that things are coming back,” Stewart said. “At the beginning of the year we were thinking we weren’t going to be able to do it. So we waited and waited until about January we found out yes we can as long as it’s later in the year.”

Entering its sixth year, the battle is not only an opportunity to raise money for charity but also a time for students to take part in one of the most exciting non-sports activities the middle school has to offer. Students step foot onstage and give the audience the best lip sync performance they can muster.

Proceeds from the battle will go towards the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

Eighth grader Ethan Valtman and his group won the middle school division lip sync battle with their rendition of Queen’s Live Aid performance of “We Are The Champions.” Valtman began the performance as Freddie Mercury singing “Ay-Oh” and coaxing the audience to sing back in turn.

It was Valtman’s favorite part of his group’s performance.

“I love Queen and I wanted to give the audience a concert feel,” Valtman said. “Whenever everybody repeated (the ay-oh part) that was just amazing.”

Valtman has performed in the lip sync battle three times, but this year was his first time winning the middle school division trophy. From his perspective, the lip sync is a great opportunity for guests looking for a good time on a Saturday night. Of course, Valtman just relished his time being on stage.

Stewart was happy to see people come together and still pull off the event on short notice.

“They know how important it is to keep this tradition going,” he said.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com