Sep 12, 2013 2 min read

Braxton McCollum, 15, of Mt. Morris Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God 220 Youth Group, recently won the 50th National Fine Arts Competition in Orlando, Fla., sponsored by Assembly of God Churches.

Braxton performed his “Children’s Lesson” solo for an audience of more than 20,000 people at the Orange County Convention Center. More than 8,000 youth members competed.

Every year, the Assembly of God Churches from around the United States select the best and brightest youth group members from more than 65,000 entries to compete in more than 61 Christian talent categories.

Junior and senior high school students develop their artistic talents in vocal, instrumental, artistic, dramatic, dance, communication, writing and exhibition categories to creatively share the message of God’s love.

Youth Pastor Carl Redding, his wife, Andrea, and choir director Jennifer Jackson encouraged all members of the youth group to pursue their passion for the arts, and the church qualified for the national competition in 11 different categories, the most in church history.

This is the second year Braxton won his category. He juggled clubs, balls and scarves while changing characters and telling the story of the Trinity. He loves to juggle with his father, Sam, and learns from other professional jugglers the skills he needs to entertain the audiences while sharing God’s message.

Braxton also qualifed for nationals in rap solo and as a member of the Christian band and choir, earning excellent ratings along with scholarship awards to AG universities around the country.

Adam Fox of Mt. Morris also earned a superior for his male vocal solo and songwriting with co-composer Aaron Griffin of Morgantown, W.Va.

In addition to Mt. Morris, Greene County was represented in the sectional, regional and national competitions by First Assembly of God in Waynesburg and Family Faith Ministries in Carmichaels, with more than 40 county students participating throughout the year.