Ouachita Parish – Twelve-year-old yo-yo wizard Benjamin Turner is taking his spinning skills to the big stage! After years of dedication, string burns, and some seriously fancy wrist work, Benjamin has qualified to compete in the 2025 Bayou Star Search Talent Competition, happening Saturday, August 16 at Louisiana Tech University’s Howard Auditorium.
Known as one of Louisiana’s top talent showcases, Bayou Star Search brings together the best of the best—singers, dancers, and now... yo-yo masters. Doors open at 6:15 PM, show starts at 7:00 PM, and you can check out all the excitement (plus a promo video) at www.bayoustarsearch.com. (Ticket Information)
Benjamin’s yo-yo journey started just three years ago with a second-place win at the Good Hope Middle School Talent Show. Fast forward a few spins (okay, thousands), and this kid has made it all the way to Regionals in Massachusetts and the National Yo-Yo Championships in Las Vegas, where he snagged 32nd place in the pro division—a division with no age limits, mind you!
But it’s not just about trophies for Benjamin. In June, he traveled to Honduras, where he taught yo-yo tricks to local kids and handed out yo-yos so they could keep the fun going. 🧡
Up next on his bucket list? Starting a yo-yo club in Ouachita Parish, so more kids can experience the fun, focus, and flair that comes with learning this unique art form.
Let’s show up and cheer him on as he reps Northeast Louisiana with style, string, and serious talent!
Media inquiries or want to help bring that yo-yo club to life?
Contact his proud dad, Chase Turner, at chase@heraldoftruth.org or 501-339-3339.
📣 Go Benjamin! Keep on rockin’ that yo-yo!
