from this community. Students get involved in arts in school and this gives opportunity to use their talent in a community venue.” Annette also says that a benefit students gain from partaking in Yankton’s Got Talent is that they get the opportunity to individualize their performance as well as obtain professional advice and coaching from individuals who judge their performance. There is no limit to the number of students who wish to show off their talents. If the number of students is too high then the extras will be allowed to submit a video of their performance. Students can also enter either solo acts or groups. “We love to have variety,” said Annette. The event takes place three Sunday’s in a row. During the first week, every student who has registered will stand in front of an audience and perform their talent which can range from a variety of sorts including vocal, band, dance, rap, juggling, or even yo-yo tricks. The students are then judged by local judges who have some sort of background in the arts within the community. Judging is based on different categories such as quality of performance, confidence, etc. Those who did exceptionally well will be chosen to continue their performances during the next week, during which finalists are chosen. On the third Sunday, the finalists compete in their final rounds and at the end of the night, the top four finalists will receive prizes that altogether are valued at $300. A grant is also given to the arts department of their choice. Jennica Young, one of the many students who competed in Yankton’s Got Talent last year, was one of the four finalists of the event. “It is so much fun!” she said. “You get to be with all the people you connect with that also love to perform. I definitely recommend coming. If you have any kind of talent, you belong here! I’m really looking forward to this year!” According to Annette, last year’s event was a big success. “We had a great turnout (about 200 people) every night. We saw some great talent and several performers are coming back this year.” Annette also said that she would love to feature a couple of local performers to open each live show. “I hope that last year will give us some traction to build this year.” Yankton’s Got Talent will have begun its second annual event on January 17, 2016, and will continue on the 24th and then finally on the 31st. vBy Rob Buckingham Willcockson Eye Associates, P .C. 415 W. 3rd, Yankton, South Dakota The physicians of Willcockson Eye Associates, P are dedicated to providing the best possible .C. medical and surgical eye care for you and your entire family. In addition to comprehensive eye exams and contact lens fittings, our physicians perform state of the art small-incision cataract and implant surgery. Our physicians are the regional experts in the diagnosis and management of sight threatening conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration. Paula Hicks, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologist Medical and Surgical Eye Care Gregory A Kouri, O.D. Optometrist Medical Eye Care For all your eyewear needs visit the Spectacle Shop next door. They offer an extensive selection of frames from traditional styles to the latest fashion design with frames to meet every family’s budget. New patients welcome! The Spectacle Shop, L.L.C. Call 605-665-9638 Karen E Dickes, D.O. Board Certified Ophthalmologist Medical and Surgical Eye Care Brady W. Betten, O.D. Optometrist Medical Eye Care HERVOICEvJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016v9