Editor's Pick: Happiest Stories from 2012

As 2012 ends and I reflect on the stories of the past year, two stand out. 

These stories are the ones I remember because they brought a smile to my face.

I hope they make you smile too.

• Jackie Evancho Performs 'To Believe' at National Prayer Breakfast

This story about Pine-Richland's 12-year-old singing phenom was the most-read story of 2012. Here's an excerpt:

Before thousands of leaders and dignitaries from around the world, Jackie Evancho performed a song Thursday morning (Feb. 2) that calls on people "to believe in a day when hunger and war will pass away."

The 11-year-old from Richland Township sang at the annual National Prayer Breakfast at the Hilton-Washington in the nation's capital, for which President Obama was the keynote speaker.

Her uncle, Matt Evancho, wrote the song, which is on her Dream With Me CD.

“Jesus said that if we had faith as small as a mustard seed, we could move mountains," said Sen Jeff. Sessions, R-Alabama, when he introduced Jackie.

"We experience a similar miracle when we hear the size of the voice that comes out of the relatively small body of our singer, Jackie Evancho. She’s 11. God has given her an extraordinary gift, and we are thrilled she is here to share it with us.”

(For the full story, click on the headline above.)

• Guerino Family's Miracle: Wheelchair-Accessible Van Made Possible by Anonymous Donor

If you believe in miracles, you'll appreciate the Guerinos' story.

They entered a contest in the hopes of winning a much-needed wheelchair-accessible van for 57-year-old Gary Guerino and his 16-year-old daughter Miranda of Richland Township.

They did not win.

But a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan specially outfitted for Gary's and Miranda's power wheelchairs pulled into their driveway Tuesday afternoon as friends, educators, caregivers and media looked on.

The keys were handed over to Melissa Guerino, wife of Gary and mother of Miranda.

That online contest started a domino effect. It led to a story in Pine-Richland Patch, which led to a call from an anonymous donor, which led to Variety the Children's Charity working with Mobility Works of Monroeville to create a van that is perfect for transporting Gary and Miranda.

Melissa calls it a miracle.

(For the full story, click on the headline above.)

What 2012 stories stood out in your mind? Tell us in the comments.

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Check out some of today's other top stories here.