John Paul College student Ryan Howe definitely has talent.
His lap guitar performance in front of an audience of about 500 people won him first place at the combined secondary schools talent quest Rotorua Has Talent 2010.
Event co-ordinator Reed Fleming said Ryan's performance at the Rotorua Girls' High School Arena on
Saturday stood out from the rest because it was so different from all the other acts.
His rendition of Air Tap was "definitely a stand-out", Mr Fleming said.
Ryan laid his guitar across his knees and did "incredibly weird things", Mr Fleming said.
"He was using a guitar to make sound, but in a very unusual way."
Ryan's victory won him a $1000 package, which included $500 cash, a trophy and a free website hosting.
Second place and $300 cash went to Unit-Y, a nine-member dance group from Western Heights, who performed a hip-hop dance routine, which the judges said definitely stood out from the other dance acts, Mr Fleming said. "The large number of dancers, their costumes and make-up made for a very polished performance."
Alayna Powley, of Western Heights High School won third place and $150 cash for her solo singing and was commended for her performance.
Excitement grew throughout the night, especially as there was a concentration of good performances towards the end of the show.
"The crowd really got behind the performers," Mr Fleming said. Band Rap Combo was highly commended by the judges for their entertaining performance. More than 90 students took part in the contest which was organised by the five high schools' Interact club, which is affiliated to Rotary International.
