Haley thanks Wheeling for 'Idol' support
Former “American Idol” contestant Haley Reinhart thanked Wheeling's village board for its support at Monday night's meeting.
“I got to see everybody at my homecoming, but I never got to thank each and everyone of them face to face,” Reinhart said.
Reinhart finished third on the 10th season of “American Idol.” The top three performers all get homecoming celebrations as a part of the show.
The village of Wheeling posted signs around the community encouraging residents and people passing through to “Vote for Haley.” Officials also arranged a parade in her honor and presented her with a large key to the village.
“The community really came together and had a lot to do with my success,” Reinhart said. “Coming home in the rain and seeing 30 thousand plus (people) waiting outside for hours to cheer me on, that was crazy.”
The press was not forewarned of the speech, and Village President Judy Abruscato found out about it only at 9:30 a.m. Monday.
“We wanted to surprise the village,” said Reinhart's mother, Patti Reinhart.
The board thanked Haley for the positive attention her performances brought to Wheeling.
Abruscato said that Reinhart demonstrated the high level of education given at Wheeling High School.
“Being a role model for (people) here, that's another dream in itself,” Reinhart said. “It's just an amazing feeling. I'm proud to do it.”