An Idyllwild teen who is a senior at Hemet High won first prize at Hemet Theater’s first ever “Star Factor” contest on Saturday September 28. Cameron Gage, who performed a routine on his scooter, was among 10 acts chosen as finalists, including magicians, musicians, and a balloon artist. The first prized was $1,500.

Gage has been an Idyllwild resident since his family moved here from Hemet when he was six, and attended Idyllwild School from the second grade on. He explained the difference between his scooter and a skateboard: “It has two wheels instead of four. We have bars that go down to where the deck is, where you stand.” The bars allow higher jumps. “My whole thing about skating is I like to go high in the air.” Gage began on a skateboard when he was about 5 years old. “I was outside everyday skating until it got dark. Dad got me a scooter about 4 years ago.” He also enjoys mountain biking and rode with the Idyllwild School team.

When asked to describe the routine that won the Star Factor contest, Gage said “I honestly kind of winged it. Alex (Yepremian) the Theater owner let me know a couple of months ahead of time. I was prepared a month before, but other things came up, and I thought I wouldn’t make it. At the last minute I put together a run… a lot of jumps, most of the tricks were on the spot.” As for his competitors, Gage was impressed by a light show/break dance routine and a balloon artist. “There was a balloon act, the guy did figures, I loved the guy, if he didn’t mess up (some of the balloons popped) he probably would have won.”

Although this was Gage’s first competitive event on his scooter, he has participated in “street rides” with other riders.

Asked about plans for the future, Gage talked about college. “Hopefully going to SDSU (San Diego State University.) I want to stay pretty close to home, I think that’s a pretty good school to get into and still be closer to family.” He says he is “In between medical, to become an EMT, I’m social, good with people, or planning on going into business, become a mortgage broker.”