Several Cranberry Area Youths Chosen as Kean Quest Finalists

Several local youths advanced Sunday to the finals of the 2013 Kean Quest Talent Search.

Sabrina Knox and Karac O’Brien, both of Valencia, and Jordann Versaw, of Mars, were among the 14 performers chosen in the first round to move onto the finals at the Kean Theatre in Richland Township. 

Paige Hurbanek of Cranberry Township and Marlee Manuel of Connoquenessing were among 13 chosen in the second round to move forward.

Kean Quest, formerly Kean Idol, will host the Youth Finals at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 5  

Jackie Evancho is schedule to appear when she presents the third annual “Jackie Evancho Award.” The award is presented to a contestant who, like Jackie, has competed in Kean Quest for two or more years, works hard, never gives up and continues to follow his or her dreams no matter the outcome. 

Jackie first appeared in the Kean Idol talent contest herself when she was only 7 years old and was first runner-up in 2008 and 2009. She received international attention when she was runner-up in the popular TV show “America’s Got Talent.” Her resume includes platinum records and sold-out concerts.

A limited number of Kean Quest Youth Finals tickets are available starting at $14 and can be purchased by calling 724-444-KEAN (5326). 

Other finalists are:

• Kiersten Kelly, Imperial, Audience Choice Award 
• Shane Treloar, North Fayette, Audience Choice Award
• Hope Albert, Apollo
• Ashlyn Beatrice, New Brighton
• Christina Dantam, Poland, OH
• Madeline Dick, O’Hara
• Brittany Dlliott, Arnold
• Arianna Ranallo, Venetia
• Grace Rusnica, Hempfield Twp.
• Kolette Tetlow, Mt. Lebanon
• Morgan Traud, Whitehall
• Maura Yates, Sewickley
• Amanda Bishop, Butler
• Morgan Engle, Gibsonia
• Abbey Evanko, Scott Twp.
• Sarah Fair, Allison Park
• Jane Fusco, Ross Twp.
• Sara Hopkins, Avalon
• Ashley Irwin, Canonsburg
• Carmen LoPresti, Jefferson Hills
• Allison Mizgorski, Butler
• Christina Trocchio, Oakdale