FORT STEWART, Ga. - Three youths, who were top finishers in Teen Talent Search contests sponsored by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, showcased their talents during the June 30 grand opening of Fort Stewart’s newest Child Development Center.

The sounds of an alto saxophone played by Nick Johnson, 18, son of Sgt. First Class Stephen Johnson, greeted those who arrived early for the event at the center, located on Davis Avenue in building 5500.

Isabelle Lopez-Guerrero, 11, who stood just a bit taller than the flag-decorated speaker’s stand, sang the National Anthem. Isabelle was the 2011 winner of the Teen Talent Search contest sponsored by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America at the Bryan Village Youth Center. Isabelle is the daughter of 1st Lt. and Mrs. Daniel Lopez-Guerrero.

Bria Caruthers, 18, daughter of Staff Sgt. and Mrs. James Arrington, sang “America the Beautiful.” She was runner-up in the 2011competition. The 2011 Richmond Hill High School graduate will attend Virginia Technical College this fall.

Nick, Isabelle and Bria said they were honored to perform and to help cut a ribbon to open the new facility.

“When I was singing the National Anthem, I was just so honored that I could do this in front of all these people,” Isabelle said. “I thought it was amazing. When I helped to cut the ribbon, I was shocked that I was able to do that. I will cherish this for the rest of my life.”

The three performers joined Garrison Commander Col. Kevin Milton; Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Ervin; Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation leaders and others in cutting the ribbon.

Nick, who finished third in the Teen Talent Search contest last year, said being chosen to perform was something that he “didn’t expect. It was an honor to play for the people there and I was more inspired to play well than I was nervous about playing.”

A 2011 graduate of Richmond Hill High School, Nick, plans to attend Valdosta State University this fall to study music.

Bria said, “I was definitely honored. I never sang in front of such important people before. I never got to cut a ribbon or do anything really formal like that before, so I was very excited about that. That was kind of cool.”