Contributed OVERALL WINNER — Lydia Battistel, the overall champion of this year's Valley's Got Talent Kids Edition, is congratulated by Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center.

STEUBENVILLE — The Sycamore Youth Center was filled with energy, talent and inspiration Friday evening as nearly 400 attendees gathered for the fifth-annual Valley’s Got Talent Kids Edition.

The event showcased an impressive lineup of young performers from across the Ohio Valley, highlighting vocalists, dancers, instrumentalists and creative artists between the ages of 8 and 13. The competition, founded by Sycamore Youth Center Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman, continues to grow each year as a platform for youth to use their God-given talents in a positive and uplifting environment.

Taking home the top honor as overall champion was Lydia Battistel, 13, of Harding Middle School, who delivered a powerful vocal performance of “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford. Her performance captivated the judges and the audience, earning her first place overall recognition.

In the vocal group category, Under the Shadow of Speiro Academy earned second place, while the Sycamore Classical Choir took first place for its patriotic performance of “Fly High You Old Grand Flag.”

The vocal soloist categories featured strong competition across multiple age groups.

In the age 11 division, Ruby Thomas earned first place, with Elisa Morris taking second.

Among 10-year-old vocalists, Selah Cline captured first place, followed by Siena Mizak in second and Dylan Osaba in third.

In the 13-year-old division, Cavell Wade earned first place, Willow Cline placed second and Agatha Lensing took third, while Battistel’s performance secured her the overall title.

In dance, Lexa Davis earned first place in the dance soloist category, while the DFE Dance Force Elite Trio captured first place in the dance group division. The Sycamore Folk Dancers earned second place for their traditional German dance medley.

Instrumental performances also stood out, with Philomena Englert taking first place and Teibe Banga earning second. Isayas Banga placed third for his classical piece by J.S. Bach.

In the miscellaneous category, both McKenzie Gruszecki and Aaron Ashby were recognized as champions, highlighting the event’s diverse range of talents beyond traditional categories.

The evening featured special guest performers Dalana Bove, Emebet Banga, Faire May, Elisha Fletcher, Madyson Gruszecki and Jovie Kelly.

“This event is all about giving young people a stage to use their gifts in a way that honors God and encourages others,” said Bauman. “To see nearly 400 people come out to support these kids is incredible. Five years ago, we started this with a vision to uplift youth in our community, and it’s amazing to see how it continues to grow.”