CHOCOWINITY — A business owner and gospel singer from the Terra Ceia

community of Beaufort County took top honors Saturday evening in a talent competition hosted by Tar Heel Variety Theater in Chocowinity.

Jonathan Sawyer, who owns and operates Sawyer Bulldozing Inc., was named the winner after wowing the judges with his renditions of “God Bless the U.S.A.” and “Call Me Gone.” He began singing with his family group, “The Sawyers,” and was a member of the “Steadfast” quartet for two years. He also sings regularly in church, but this was the first time he had entered a competition.

“When I entered it was a chance to tell someone about Jesus, one more opportunity to show what Jesus means to me,” Sawyer said. “It’s not about the money.”

Sawyer did win a $300 cash award and the opportunity to perform during two Tar Heel Christmas shows in December. He topped a field of 12 semi-finalists, whittled down from a larger pool of entrants during the first round of competition held Sept. 12.

Second place in the contest and a $125 prize went to Brian Williamson, a Greenville

resident and police dispatcher with Pitt Community College.Tarboro’s Raymond

Hyler, a truck driver and gospel singer, took home $75 for his third-place finish.

Others performing during the final round were Michael Terry of Washington; Jennifer Waters and Danny Harris of Chocowinity; Lillian Sawyer of Terra Ceia; Tracy Everette and Jeffrey Williamson of Greenville; Douglas Barnes of Falkland; and Kayla Hyler and Waylon Davis of Tarboro.

“We had a lot of great talent; I’m glad I was not a judge,” said theater owner Angie Lewis. “The judges did a great job.”

Tar Heel Variety Theater typically hosts two talent competitions each year. The next one is scheduled for spring of 2016, according to Lewis.

For more information about upcoming events at the theater, call 252-975-2117 or visit www.tarheelvarietytheater.com.