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Mon Valley Academy for the Arts (MVAA) is proud to announce that student Tommy Kinsey has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Washington’s Got Talent’ competition.

Pictured, Tommy Kinsey (at right) with his guitar instructor, Gary Antol, at Mon Valley Academy for the Arts.

Tommy performed on January 25 at 1:30 p.m. at Chartiers-Houston High School as part of the live event benefiting the Common Ground Teen Center.

Tommy is an eighth-grade student at the California Area School District, where he is actively involved in the National Junior Honor Society and the Leadership Council. A multi-sport athlete, Tommy also enjoys snowboarding, singing, and performing on guitar. He is a student at Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, where he studies guitar under instructor Gary Antol. Tommy began playing guitar at age eleven and continues to be motivated by his family and a growing passion for music.

“Gary has been a huge influence on me—we have similar music tastes, he’s complimentary of the work I put in, and he always tells me what I can do to improve,” Tommy said. He cites musicians such as Tyler Childers, Jack Johnson, and Sublime as key inspirations.

Gary Antol praised Tommy’s dedication and character, saying, “Tommy is one of the hardest-working students I’ve ever had. He is a fine young man and a joy to work with.”

MVAA President Annette Buffer expressed strong support for Tommy as he headed into the competition. “Tommy represents everything we hope to nurture at Mon Valley Academy for the Arts—commitment, curiosity, and a genuine love for music,” Buffer said. “We are incredibly proud of him and know he will take the stage with confidence and heart. We are all cheering him on and encourage the community to do the same.”

Washington’s Got Talent is presented by the Washington Health System Foundation SHO Committee and showcases student performers from across the region. Tickets and public voting information are available at www.washingtonsgottalent.com

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