READY TO PERFORM — Area young people are preparing for Friday’s Valley’s Got Talent Kid’s Edition. This year’s event will be held beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Sycamore Youth Center, 301 N. Fourth St., Steubenville. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Ohio Valley Youth Network will host the Valley’s Got Talent Kid’s Edition at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Sycamore Youth Center, offering a night of inspiring performances by local youth.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 301 N. Fourth St. and will feature children between the ages of 8 and 13 from across the Ohio Valley showcasing their talents in music, dance and performance.

The program is organized and led by Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center, who said the event is designed to give young people a meaningful platform to grow in confidence and use their gifts.

“This event is all about giving our young people an opportunity to use their God-given talents to inspire others,” Bauman said. “We want to create a positive environment where kids can step onto a big stage, build confidence and glorify God through their gifts.”

Participants were selected through an audition process and will be evaluated based on their presentation, musical excellence and overall inspirational impact.

Bauman noted that the event continues to grow each year and has become a highlight for families and the community.

“It’s incredible to see the level of talent these young students bring,” he said. “But even more important is the message behind it — encouraging young people to pursue excellence while staying grounded in faith and character.”

The Valley’s Got Talent Kid’s Edition lineup includes:

• Under The Shadow (Speiro Academy): “In the River” by Jesus Culture, vocal group

• Elisa Morris, 11, Bishop John King Mussio: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle, vocal soloist

• Gerald Simpson, 13, Harding Middle School: “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” by Rick Founds, vocal soloist

• Lexa Davis, 11: “Jealous of Angels” by Jerin Bostic, dance soloist

• Ruby Thomas, 11, East Liverpool Christian School: “Awesome God/Mashup” by Rich Mullins, vocal solo

• Dylan Osaba, 10, Harding Middle School: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland, vocal soloist

• Agatha Lensing, 13, homeschooled: “Rejoice O’ Bethany” traditional, vocal solo

• Isayas Banga, 12, Jefferson County Christian School, “Gavotte” by J.S. Bach, instrumentalist

• Philomena Englert, 13, homeschooled: “Fur Elise” by Beethoven, instrumentalist

• Selah Cline, 10, Speiro Academy: “You’re the Only One” by Brooke Hyland, vocal soloist

Intermission

• Sycamore Classical Choir, Sycamore Youth Center: “Fly High You Old Grand Flag,” George M. Cohan

• DFE Dance Force Elite Trio (Averie Deah, 12; Lexa Davis, 12; and Natalie Ramsey 11), Harding Middle School: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” by Lauren Hill, dance group

• Sycamore Folk Dancers, Sycamore Youth Center: German dance nedley, traditional

• Siena Mizak, 10, Bishop John King Mussio: “Believe for It” by CeCe Winans, vocal soloist

• Lydia Battistel, 13, Harding Middle School: “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford

• Teibe Banga, 12, Bishop John King Mussio: “Sonata in C Minor” by Jean Baptiste Breval, instrumentalist

• Willow Cline, 13, Speiro Academy: “I Believe” by Charity Gayle, vocal aolo

• Cavell Wade, 13, Speiro Academy: “Reign Above it All” by Bethel Music, vocal solo

• McKenzie Gruszecki, 9, Southern Local: “Jehovah,” Maverick City Music, miscellaneous

• Aaron Ashby, 12, Harding Middle School: Inspirational message, miscellaneous

Community members are encouraged to attend and support the performers as they take the stage in a celebration of talent, faith and creativity.