The stage in the Kenbridge Community Center was transformed into a showcase of student talent Saturday as the youth participated in tryouts for Lunenburg’s Got Talent, set for April 2 at 2 p.m. at Central High School.

Students sang songs, played instruments and danced before a panel of try-out judges as they sought to make it to the main event.

“Initially, we had 34 folks sign up. And that’s in three different age categories,” said Meredith Spencer, a teacher who’s helped organize and plan the event, alongside members of the Lunenburg County Chamber of Commerce.

The tryouts, along with the April 2 event, are based on three age categories: grades one-five, grades six-eight and grades 9-12.

“It’ll be four from each age category that’ll be selected for the show,” Spencer said.

One winner from each age group will receive $500, she said.

“All in all, I think I did as good as I could have,” said 13-year-old Alexis Pegram after singing “Love Triangle” by Raelynn. Pegram, an eighth-grader at Central Middle School, said she was both nervous and a little excited as she performed.

Pegram is among the 12 chosen to perform in April. Other students who will appear on stage include Lane Bolter, Presley Pulliam, Grace Joyner, Lacey Joyner, Alexis Smith, Inka Winters, Mitch Green, Courtney Brosteck and Colton Hinkle (as a duo), Alexia Elam, Jaydah Mitchell and Gabrielle Aubel.

“Mel Payne, who’s the president of the Lunenburg Chamber (of Commerce) had wanted to do this,” Spencer said of the event, “and so he approached the school system. However, the auditions were open to private schools, home schoolers and public school.”

The talent show “was his idea,” Spencer said.

Green sang “Chicks Dig It” by Chris Cagle.

“I think so. I hope so,” the 11-year-old responded when asked if he thought he performed well in front of the judges.

“I like to sing. (It’s) something I like doing,” Green added.

Benchmark Community Bank and the Chamber are the sponsors of the event, Spencer said. “The committee has been made up of chamber members and me,” she said.

Robert Carwile, a 16-year-old 11th-grade student at Central High School sang “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. He was the first high schooler to tryout Saturday.

“I was definitely nervous,” he said after he auditioned. “(It) caught me off-guard to how quick it went.

Carwile wished good luck to all the participants trying out.

Senior Anna Burgay, before performing Linkin Park’s “Numb” on piano, said she was nervous because she only had seven hours of practice due to unforeseen circumstances.

“Not at all,” responded Mitchell, a 16-year-old ninth-grader, when asked if she was nervous before performing “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith.

The three contestants from each age category were announced at their schools Monday.

“We’ve had some … great talent,” said Payne, who sat in on many of the tryouts. “We’ve got great talent … We want to turn (their) fear into confidence,” he said, noting some students’ nervousness on stage.