2016 Arnold Quest for Talent Winners Dazzle Audience and Judges at Columbus Children's Theatre

Columbus Children's Theatre hosted the Arnold Quest for Talent this year at the second annual Arnold Sportsworld Kids and Teens Expo.

Hosted at the Ohio State Fair Expo center, this event caters to families with activities that expand beyond the usual weightlifting competitions of "The Arnold". With exhibits that include hockey, soccer, chess, volleyball, gymnastics, jump roping, cheer, zip-lining, and so much more, the entire expo was a buzz with energy all weekend!

The talent competition on Saturday, March 5 was organized by CCT Technical Director Chris Rusen and emceed by Chris Kirkpatrick from N*SYNC.

This year's competition included a great variety of talents including singing, dancing, hula-hooping and magic, but of the 20 finalist, only 3 were chosen as winners. Grand Prize winner Kylie Cates of North Canton, age 14, thrilled the audience with a dazzling baton routine choreographed to "America" from West Side Story. Having just competed in her band competition, she arrived just minutes before scheduled to go on stage and still never dropped one of her 3 batons.

First runner-up Jessica Greenwald of Powell, age 16, sang a beautiful rendition of "Safer" from the musical First Date. Second runner-up McKenzie McGrath of New Albany, age 16, is a returning finalist from last year's competition. McGrath filled the stage with her complex yet effortless dance routine.

CCT and Arnold Sportsworld would like to thank all 20 finalist for their dedication to their crafts and for sharing them this past Saturday. We hope to see you again next year!

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