For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A 15-year-old Wisconsin Rapids resident took first place in the Central Wisconsin’s Got Talent competition held in Marshfield.

On July 28, CWGT held its annual talent competition, in conjunction with Marshfield’s Hub City Days, at the Wenzel Family Plaza, Marshfield.

Contestants as young as 9, as well as adults, displayed their talents in front of a panel of judges from the central Wisconsin area. Participants came from Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, Spencer, Dorchester, Athens, and Sheboygan.

Nate Rogers, 17, of Marshfield, took second place receiving a $250 cash prize. Accompanied on percussion by his brother Cal, Nate shared an untitled original composition which showcased both his voice and his electric guitar skills.

Taking first place, with a cash prize of $500, was Dmitry Pesko, 15, of Wisconsin Rapids. Pesko gave a presentation, “ASD & Me” sharing his personal dealings with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

CWGT advanced two acts – one in the youth division ages 2-12 and one in the teen division ages 13-18 – to the state junior youth amateur talent competition, which took place Aug. 12 in Milwaukee.

Morgan and Edyn Vechinski, 12 and 9 respectively, of Marshfield, were chosen by the judges to represent CWGT in the youth division. While they did not place at state competition, they performed their rendition of “Blackbird,” creating lovely harmonies and accompanying themselves on ukulele and guitar.

Nate Rogers competed in the teen division and won third place at the state level earning a cash prize of $1,000.