School’s out for summer. But for Leah Kirsch of Clarkston, summer’s a chance to do more stuff, including competing with local and national volleybal programs and competing for the title of Miss Teen of Michigan.
‘Since school is out, I have a chance to do this,? she said. ‘Miss Teen Michigan will help with college.?
Kirsch, daughter of Rena and Paul Kirsch of Clarkston, was set to compete at the 2007 State Pageant July 20-22 in Mount Pleasant.
Leah was nominated at Clarkston Junior High School for sports and academics. This is her first pageant experience.
‘It’s pretty exciting, nerve wracking? she said.
‘I’m really happy for her,? Rena said. ‘This is a great experience.?
She prepared for six judging categories, including academics, interview, poise, and dance production.
Sixty percent of the judging involves written resumes and testing, with the strongest single category being the interview with the judges.
The winner of the pageant competition will receive a $1,000 cash scholarship and a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond. In addition, her high school will receive $250 from the Miss Teen of America Scholarship & Recognition Program. The new State Titleholder will also be eligible to compete for the National Title of Miss Teen of America and vie for additional scholarships, awards and prizes.
‘It would be a real big accomplishment ? Miss Teen Michigan is a role model for younger kids,? she said. ‘If I don’t win, it would be a disappointment, but it’s an accomplishment just to be nominated.?
Leah was also selected to attend the USA Volleyball High Performance Girls? Select A2 Development Camp in Kalamazoo from July 11-15. She was one of approximately 600 chosen from nearly 10,000 athletes who tried out nationwide.
‘It was pretty hard,? Leah said.
Players selected have the opportunity to attend various camps across the country. The High Performance Program is a national program coordinated by USA Volleyball.
A 10-player team will be selected to participate in the High Performance Global Challenge, which brings together teams from USAV Regions with foreign teams for international competition. Foreign teams this year include Argentina, Slovenia, Mexico, Italy, Canada, Japan and possibly China.
In addition, Leah was awarded MVP of her 2007 freshman volleyball team at Clarkston Junior High School, coached by Cindy West.
She plans to try out for volleyball this year at Clarkston High School, and hopes to continue her volleyball career at the University of Michigan.
‘Volleyball is fun,? she said. ‘It’s very competitive. Lots of friends on the team ? it’s like a family.?