Heafner-Williams Vocal Competition

As the winner, she received a $2500 first prize. Alicia Tagert & Corey Lovelace tied for second; each claiming at $1500 prize.  Third place was won by Julia Rose Woodward, who won a $750 prize. Other contestants in the finals were Kevin Spooner, Robbie Roso, and Carolyn Orr, each of whom was awarded a $250 prize. 

Begun in 2003 by Lincolnton's own classical singer Carolyn Wiliams and her husband, , also an internationally known opera singer, the Heafner/Williams Vocal Competition seeks to identify and assist talented vocalists and encourage theatrical vocal arts.  The competition is open t singers ages 18-35 who are residents of North Carolina, South Carolina orVirginia or students at schools in those states.  It has been held each year except 2020 when it was postponed due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

McNeely was also a contestant in 2022.

Williams passed in February 2023 but Heafner kept the event going.