Mia Jacobs chose the Hebrew word “simcha” to describe the fifth annual Campus Superstar… Mia Jacobs chose the Hebrew word “simcha” to describe the fifth annual Campus Superstar competition that her organization hosted on Sunday.

“‘Simcha’ means joy,” the president of Pitt’s Jewish University Center Hillel Student Board said of the Yiddish term often used to describe bar mitzvahs and weddings. “It’s a celebration not only for the individual, but also the community.”

Pitt senior Rachael Goodman, Hillel public relations intern, said Hillel plans to donate about $500 to UPMC Children’s Hospital from the revenue earned from the $1 Campus Superstar student tickets. Hillel has yet to calculate the exact total earned from ticket sales, she said.

Goodman is one of six interns who worked under Linda Meyers, Hillel’s associate director, to organize the event.

“The interns raise funds, get sponsors, handle auditions and go out on the street every day to sell adds and find sponsors,” Jacobs said.

PNC and Giant Eagle were the primary event sponsors.

About 1,800 people joined in the celebration in Carnegie Music Hall this weekend. Campus Superstar is an “American Idol”-like singing contest featuring local college students.

Carnegie Mellon junior Gillian Hassert won the contest, and Pitt senior Dashanna Terry came in second.

Want to know more about the competition? Read our previous article on pittnews.com.