Winners at GMA Music in the Rockies National Talent Competition

23-year-old songwriter Shelly Johnson penned two award-winning songs for the GMA Music in the Rockies songwriting competitions. “The Power of the Cross” was named GMA's Song of 2008 in the Semi-pro category and American Bible Society recognized her song, “Draw Near” for its top prize in the Semi-pro category. Compassion International ( www.compassion.com ), a Christian child advocacy organization which Compassion helpsmore than1 million children in 24 countries, was drawn to Johnson's ministry emphasis of her music and named her their recipient of the Music & Ministry Experience, an all-expense paid ministry trip to a Compassion International destination.

Photo Below: Maggie Erickson, winner of GMA Artist Solo 2008 and Disney's Night of Joy Best of Show Award

In addition to Whitson, Erickson and Johnson, winners were also honored in several categories defined by musical style and/or age. These winners, too, receive prizes including personal consultation meetings with music industry executives, free tuition to future GMA events, and several other product prizes. Those winners include:

GMA ARTIST 2008

GMA Vocal One (ages 13-24) Winner/Centricity Music Winner
Shannon Whitson ( www.myspace.com/shannonlabriemusic )
Estes Park , Colo.

GMA Vocal One Runner Up
Desiree Olson ( www.myspace.com/DesireeOlson )
Spring Hill, Tenn.

GMA Vocal Two (ages 25 and up) Winner/Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Winner
Maggie Erickson ( http://www.myspace.com/
maggieerickson )
Frisco, Texas

GMA Vocal Two Runner Up
Peggy Mann ( www.peggymann.
com )
Grand Lake, Colo.

GMA Band Winner
Rough Draft ( www.roughdraftband.
com )
Fort Collins , Colo.

GMA Band Runner Up
1000 Generations ( www.1000generations.com )
Indianapolis , Ind.

GMA Small Group/Duet Winner
Of Scripture ( www.myspace.com/ofscripture )
Wichita Falls , Texas

GMA Small Group/Duet Runner Up
Ben & Nicole
Portland, Ore.

GMA Instrumental Winner
Matthew Kooi
Orland Park, Ill.