Area youth prepares for kids talent competition
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STEUBENVILLE -- The stage is set. The excitement is building. Area residents are looking forward to this year's Valley's Got Talent, Kid's Edition competition, taking place at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Sycamore Youth Center, located at 301 N. Fourth St.
Now in its fourth year, the high-energy, family-friendly event will be free to attend.
Doors will open at 3 p.m. so attendees can grab their seats and prepare to cheer on the Ohio Valley's rising young stars.
Hannah Hayes will serve as mistress of ceremonies, leading the audience through "an inspiring afternoon of music, dance, instrumental performances and more," according to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director and founder of the Ohio Valley Youth Network and Sycamore Youth Center.
The Christian-based talent competition for those ages 8 through 13, was launched four years ago to provide a positive platform for younger performers, he explained.
Bauman created the original Valley's Got Talent competition in 2014 for youth ages 10-23.
"This event is about more than talent -- it's about encouraging young people to use their gifts to uplift others and glorify God," Bauman stated.
All performances must feature inspirational or Christian content, officials noted, saying all lyrics are submitted in advance for review. The competition is designed to not only highlight talent, but to build character, confidence and spiritual growth in each participant.
"A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate each performance based on spiritual and inspirational effectiveness, vocal and instrumental excellence and presentation and audience engagement," Bauman said.
This year's acts will include God's Creation Choir -- All God's Creatures Have a Place in the Choir, featuring members Anya Lensing, 8, Bishop John King Mussio; Felicity Lensing, 10, homeschooled; Agatha Lensing, 12, homeschooled; Ruth Wingerter, 8, homeschooled; and Coeli Wingerter, 11, homeschooled.
Others in the lineup include Jasier Luke, 12, Harding Middle School, "God Starts With A Dreamer;" Dylan Osaba, 9, Pugliese West Elementary School, "Jesus Loves Me;" Elisa Morris, 10, BJKM, "Ode To Joy;" Lexa Davis, 10, Harding, "Angels Among Us;" Aaron Ashby, 11, Harding, "God Help Me;" Story Peterson, 11, Toronto Middle School, "Fight Song;" Leroy Slappy, 12, Harding, "I Give Myself Away;" Siena Mizak, 9, BJKM, "Thank God I Do;" Andrea Crawford, 9, McKinley STEM Academy, "Things Change Bugz," the Sycamore Classical Choir and Next Level Community Choir.
Following these performances, a 10-minute intermission will take place.
When the show continues, the Dance Force Elite Rising Stars will perform "Tears of An Angel." Members include Harper Kurner, 11, Indian Creek Middle School; Quinn Allogia, 11, ICMS; Avrie Deah, 11, Harding; and Lexa Davis, 10, Harding.
The Dance Force Elite Minis will perform "God Is With Us," by members Ellie Busick, 8, Wells Academy; Logan Hickey, 8, Wells Academy, and Londyn Crummit, 9, Allison Elementary School.
The remaining performers include: Sycamore Children's Folk Dancers; Evelyn Geary, 10, Harding, "Bring On The Rain;" Emebet Banga, 13, Catholic Central, "Allegro Classical Violin;" Alethia Sirilla and Philomena Englert, 12, homeschooled, "Ave Maria;" Joseph Seibert, 13, homeschooled, "How Great Thou Art;" Evan Conn, 13, ICMS, "Falling Into the Arms of the Lord;" Mighty Disciples Mime Team; Lydia Battistel, 12, Harding, "Blessings;" and Skylar Hendrix, 13, Jefferson County Christian School, "Broken Vessels."
Judges for the event will be Darlene VanDyke, Sandy Pucci, Rick Hicks, Brent Kimball and Charlene Dawkins.
Special guest performers will take to the stage during the judges' deliberation. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy performances from past Valley's Got Talent champions, including Dalana Bove, overall winner of the Valley's Got Talent, Kids' Edition in 2023 and Valley's Got Talent overall winner in 2024; Lynzee Ensell, Valley's Got Talent overall winner in 2021; Destiny Angelucci, Valley's Got Talent, Kid's Edition overall winner in 2024; and Elisha Fletcher, Valley's Got Talent overall winner in 2014.
For information, visit sycamorecenter.com or follow the Sycamore Youth Center on Facebook.
"We hope the community will come out and help celebrate this powerful showcase of faith, talent and youth leadership," Bauman concluded. "Help us to cheer on the next generation of Ohio Valley stars."