Shaneika Mahoney, daughter of Paul and Rockcie Mahoney of Washington and a student at Washington Wilkes Comprehensive High School, is participating in the Urban Idol competition in Athens.

Shaneika sang Saturday during the Urban Idol try-outs at Clarke Central High School, along with 14 other performers who auditioned. The honor of winning carries with it a $1,000 grand prize.

Participants will compete in several categories, including singing, dancing and acting, and in several musical styles, such as rhythm and blues, gospel, country and western.

Shaneika was a second place winner in the recent Kiwanis Talent Showcase and participates in other singing events in the county and area. She is a basketball cheerleader and sings the National Anthem for games. She is this year's Tiger Band Woodwinds Captain. She has also performed at the Fourth of July celebration on The Square in Downtown Washington.