North Allegheny Teen Chosen as Kean Quest Finalist

A Franklin Park teen has advanced to the finals of the 2013 Kean Quest Talent Search.

Maura Yates, 16, and a junior at North Allegheny High School, was among the 27 performers chosen to move onto the finals at the Kean Theatre in Richland Township. 

Maura played the guitar and sang “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey Ray on Sunday, March 17. The teen musician enjoys working at Soergel’s Orchards, volunteering and spending time with friends. 

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
• Sabrina Knox, Valencia
• Karac O’Brien, Valencia
• Jordann Versaw, Mars
• Paige Hurbanek, Cranberry Township
• Marlee Manuel, Connoquenessing
• 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

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