Watertown native and stand-up comedian Mike Bova has been named the top comedian at the 2012 Upper State Independent Awards.

“I’ve only been doing stand-up comedy for five months but I’ve had some amazing doors open up for me since day one,” said Mr. Bova.

The 1983 graduate of Watertown High School moved in 1994 to the greater Utica area where he has done a few different things, from owning a construction business to working in the newspaper industry.

He is the son of Mike Bova Sr. of Parrish, Fla., and the late Grace Bova.

Mr. Bova’s first two stand-up performances were opening for Last Comic Standing semi-finalist Moody McCarthy. Since then, he has opened up for headliners R.C. Smith, Scott Bruce, Eddie Clark, Paul Bond and others.

Mr. Bova has performed twice at Lake Ontario Playhouse in Sackets Harbor and has headlined comedy venues across New York state. In April, he performed at the Best Western Carriage House Inn, Watertown.

The comedian raises money for nonprofit groups through comedy-show fundraisers. Mr. Bova and fellow comedian Phil Farda produce Comedy Central N.Y., which brings stand-up acts to the Utica area.