OVERALL WINNERS — More than 60 area youth between the ages of 13 and 23 took part in Sunday evening’s 12th-annual Valley’s Got Talent competition. Hosted by the Sycamore Youth Center and Ohio Valley Youth Network, the overall winners were Madyson Gruszecki, left, and Jovie Kelly. Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of Sycamore and president of the OVYN, congratulated the winners following the show. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Families and supporters gathered inside the auditorium of Steubenville High School Sunday evening to cheer on the 25 young performers vying for the top prize at the 12th-annual Valley’s Got Talent competition.

The crowd was enthusiastic throughout all of the performances, according to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center and president of the Ohio Valley Youth Network, which sponsors the event.

However, this year’s show stood out in a special way, Bauman explained.

“This was the most talented Valley’s Got Talent we have ever had in our 12-year history,” he stated. “The level of skill, originality and heart the performers brought to the stage was incredible.”

The evening highlighted inspirational acts, ranging from vocal performances to dance, instrumental music and creative art forms. Contestants, ages 13 to 23, represented local schools and communities across the region. Contestants brought their own style and message to the stage. Bauman stated one of the evening’s most notable moments came when 13-year-olds Madyson Gruszecki and Jovie Kelly were crowned the overall winners — marking the first time a flag team has won the top title in the history of Valley’s Got Talent.

The two Wellsville-area students choreographed the entire routine themselves, drawing from their flag ministry training at Wellsville First Christian Church. Their moving performance earned a standing ovation and widespread praise.

“This was truly historic,” Bauman said. “For two 13-year-olds to develop original choreography and present it with such meaning, precision and emotion — it was breathtaking.”

In addition to Gruszecki and Kelly being named overall winners, the following were announced as winners in the 2025 Valley’s Got Talent competition: The vocal group Blest, consisting of members Connie, Annie and Sharolyn Brookes; Saija Heckman, vocal soloist; Miriam and Daniel Free, vocal duet; Benedict Gan, vocal soloist with instrument; Sycamore Folk Dancers, dance group; Elijah Anderson, dance soloist; Jasmine Wooden, miscellaneous category; Mary Rankin, original songwriter; and Lucian Englert, instrumentalist.

Audience members were treated to special guest performances from past champions, adding to the festive and community-centered atmosphere. Valley’s Got Talent has become one of the area’s most beloved youth arts traditions, Bauman stated. Its contestants must live within 35 miles of Steubenville and present uplifting or inspirational material. Its goal has always been to give youth a place to grow, shine and share their God-given talents, Bauman emphasized.

“These kids inspire us with their passion and dedication,” he said. “You can see the joy on their faces when they step onto that stage.”

The enthusiasm surrounding this year’s show is expected to carryinto the spring as well, with many families already asking about opportunities for younger performers. To meet that demand, the Sycamore Youth Center is preparing for the upcoming Valley’s Got Talent Kids Edition, designed especially for children ages 8 to 13.

The kids edition will take place at 6:30 p.m. on March 27 at the Sycamore Youth Center, giving elementary and middle-school students a chance to showcase their vocals, dance, instruments and creative performances.

“Kids absolutely love the experience,” Bauman concluded. “Parents love it, too. It’s a joyful night where the younger children get their moment in the spotlight.”