A seventh-grader at Georgetown Middle School recently won a state singing competition against 30 women from Churches of God throughout South Carolina.

Cheley Elliott, 13, was this year’s vocalist winner of the South Carolina Junior Talent Competition held at the Church of God in Mauldin, S.C.

The competition included several categories, including music, theater, painting and photography.

Elliott’s parents, Ricky and Barbara Elliott, said they are very proud of their daughter who has sung at many local church programs, as well as events at nursing homes and even funeral services.

She has performed in plays with the Swamp Fox Players in Georgetown, including “Love 4 Sail” and “Oklahoma.”

“I think it is really great that she is being recognized for her singing talent,” Barbara Elliott said. “She is going to put Georgetown on the map one day.”

Elliott will compete in a Firesides Ministries competition next weekend and will be entertaining people at the upcoming Harborwalk Festival in Georgetown.

Rev. Ossie Deas, pastor of Church of God in Georgetown, said he has been impressed with Elliott’s maturity and voice.

She is a well-mannered, good kid who is beyond her years,” Deas said. “She is very confident and she sings out very well.”

He said Elliott sings on the church choir and sometimes sings lead parts for choir songs.

“Many people who have heard her talk about how good she sings,” Deas said. “She has a very pretty voice. She has a real talent.”

Elliott has two older brothers, Donnie and Randy.

By Clayton Stairs

cstairs@gtowntimes.com