Carson City youth head to national arts competition

As a musical group from Capital Christian Center practiced Tuesday evening, Ryan Clark, lead singer, could not help but let emotion flow through him.

At high points of "Kingdom Come," he closed his eyes and allowed his voice - and gratitude within - take over.

"This song expresses all the things that God's done in my life," he said, taking a short break from the set. "This is the way I can say thank you - with the talents and abilities he's blessed me with."

Clark, 18, and 17 others from Capital Christian will travel to Orlando, Fla., in August to compete in a national competition for Assemblies of God youth and the chance to win Bible college scholarships.

The Capital Christian Center Youth Worship Team, of which Clark is head vocalist, will perform both "Kingdom Come" and "Holy is the Lord" at the competition.

The group will be gone from Aug. 7-13 and will compete against other students in various areas of music, art and worship. About 5,000 youth nationwide are expected to attend, according to Pastor Jeremy Morgado of Capital Christian.

"(These kids) have a chance to win college scholarships," he said. "It's a huge display of their talents and hard work. If they win, it's a pretty big deal."

Clark joined the youth group about five years ago and thinks the group has a shot at winning because of bonds they have formed over the two years they've played together.

"All my friends I have, I have here," he said. "I really don't have friends outside here. I don't think I could have these (relationships) elsewhere."

During practice, he often turned during lyrical breaks - as he continued to play acoustic guitar - toward drummer Austin Swafford, 15, who received a $2,500 college scholarship at the spring regional competition for a drum solo.

Swafford credits his membership in the band for success in other areas of his life.

"It probably has changed my life," he said. "I don't know what I would be doing because I'm always here at the church. It keeps me out of trouble."

The youth group meets up to twice a week at the church, practicing music for services, working on projects and building friendships.

The worship group made the top 10 last year in nationals. Swafford thinks they'll do better this year.

"I've been told we're pretty good," he said.

• Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

Roll-call

The following youth from Capital Christian will head to Orlando to compete in the listed areas:

• Ryan Clark: songwriting, worship team

• Isabel Coscarart: photography

• Hollie Eiswart: children's short sermon

• Alyssa Friend: worship team

• Greyson Friend: drum solo, worship team

• Tyler Friend: short sermon, worship team

• Sarah Ferguson: children's short sermon

• Nicole Gilday: drama

• Justin Keller: drama

• Heather Lambert: drama

• Tess Mangiapelo: short sermon, worship team

• Trichia McIntosh: painting

• Garrett Meyer: worship team

• Ashleigh Morawski: worship team

• Christian Sanborn: drama team

• Johnny Sanborn: drama team

• Trent Simpson: guitar solo, worship team

• Austin Swafford: drum solo, worship team

To help with donations for the trip, contact Capital Christian at 883-3355.