LEWISTON — The Maine Games held its seventh annual National Anthem Audition at the Kora Shrine Temple on April 13. Following an afternoon filled with patriotism, musical talent and a lot of frayed nerves, 15 year-old Megan Ward, a Bangor High School sophomore, stood alone at the top, earning the title of Maine Games National Anthem Vocalist for 2013.

Ward’s traditional, powerful and heartfelt rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” in the first round of competition placed her in the top three finalists, along with Emily Ouellette, of Fryeburg, and 10-year-old Kirstin Hahn, from Wales.

Following a second opportunity on stage in front of friends, family and judges, all three waited patiently as the judges deliberated one more time. In the end, Ward earned the title as well as the gold medal, while Ouellette earned the silver, with Hahn taking home the bronze.

For her efforts, Ward has been presented with several opportunities to further her singing career with resume-enhancing performances including June 1 at a Portland Seadogs baseball game at Hadlock Field; and at the 2013 Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic on July 20 in Biddeford. Other performances will be scheduled throughout the year.