West Allegheny Crooner, 12, a Finalist in 'Kean Quest'

Shane Treloar is hoping the third time is the charm. 

The 12-year-old West Allegheny student from McDonald is vying in this third Kean Quest Talent Search—the 10th annual Gibsonia talent showcase for Pittsburgh-area vocalists.

Last year, after performing a series of showtunes that wowed judges, Shane was named runner-up in the singing competition. He landed a finalist spot in his first year in the show. 

"He made it all the way to the finals last year, and he thought he'd give it another shot," said Shane's mother, Kim Treloar. 

The popular local talent competition, formerly known as Kean Idol, boasts singing sensation and ‘America’s Got Talent’ finalist Jackie Evancho and the face of the Eat n’ Park restaurant chain Sarah Marince, a Moon Township native, as former contestants.

Shane, who has belted the National Anthem at Pirates and Penguins games and appeared in the Pittsburgh Macy's Day Parade, hones his performances at Prunzik's Broadway Dance & Performing Arts Studio on Steubenville Pike. 

The young crooner started singing at the age of 8 and has already attracted the eye of Broadway talent scouts, Treloar said. 

"He's training to be a triple threat," Treloar said. "Singing, dancing, acting, he just loves to be on stage."

Kean Quest serves as a benefit for the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, and features both youth and adult singing categories. 

The grand prize includes several hours in a recording studio. 

"And that would just be wonderful," said Treloar of the prize. "(Kean Quest) is just such a wonderful event. He gets to meet other kids who are interested in the arts, and that's something that's really important." 

The next round of Kean Quest takes place on March 10.