Backstage at the MSU-Riley Center Tuesday, 14-year-old Marisa Potate smiled and moved to the music as she watched finalists perform at the Afterschool (Not) Idle/Lights On Rally.

“They are amazing,” said the Meridian resident about contenders Angela and Zandreya Fowler of Meridian.

“And the 9-year-old is really something,” said Marisa of Mallory Broadus of Thomasville, Ala.

So when Marisa’s name was called as the Grand Prize winner of the competition, she was somewhat stunned.

“I didn’t expect this,” said the daughter of Mike and Teresa Potate.

As Marisa stepped to the stage to accept the coveted honor, Angie Denney of 97-OKK Radio’s Morning Outlaws made note of the teen’s dazed response.

“Can you get a little excited, girl?” Denney said.

But after getting over the initial shock, Marisa expressed joy and gratitude over her accomplishment.

“This is so great and I am so happy,” she said.

Marisa performed “You’re Going to Love Me,” the popular Jennifer Holliday anthem from the musical “Dream Girls.”

“I felt it was the best song for me, as far as something I could really get into,” said the aspiring singer. “It really gets me pumped up.”

Nine-year-old Mallory wowed the crowd with the very grown-up “Broken Wings” by country music singer Martina McBride.

And sisters Angela and Zandreya Fowler moved the audience with an inspiring rendition of “Heaven” by gospel music singing sisters Mary, Mary.

“The talent was really great. I was really surprised by the age of these contestants,” said “American Idol” star and Peavey endorser Bo Bice, a guest judge for the competition.

Open to young people enrolled in the local Boys and Girls Club and 21st Century after-school program, Lights On Afterschool is part of a national movement to support after-school program.

Jim Beaugez, marketing director for Peavey Electronics, said the program’s overall message was well-executed.

“I think the community really has gotten behind the big issue of the need for after-school programs,” Beaugez said.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a license plate that will generate funding for after-school programs in the state.

“Mississippi is the first state in the nation to have this license plate,” Beaugez said. “This is going to be an easy way for people to support this.”

The license plate is $30, of which $24 will go toward after-school programs in the state.