Showing Excellence at a Young Age

Although Sarah Smelter is only ten years old, she has already explored many interests and proven herself academically. She has been awarded the Principal's Award in school twice, once last year and once this year. Her favorite subject is math and she is currently learning division.

She is also very talented musically. She has played the flute for over a year and is now learning to play the piano. She takes private lessons and plays flute in the school band as well. She also plays the flute along with other young flutists in the congregation during worship service at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeport. And, she is in the Jr. Handbell Choir at church, which performs during worship on special occasions.

For the past two years, Sarah has taken ballet and tap at the Atkinson's School of Dance and Charm in New Kensington. She became interested in dance after her mother attended a dance class there. Sarah really enjoys dance, especially tap. The dance group that she is a part of doesn't perform at competitions but they did get a chance to show off their talents at Idelwild Park on the fourth of July.

Even though Sarah participates in many wonderful things, her favorite thing to do is to be outside. The Smeltzer's live in the country, so Sarah has her very own hiking trails through the woods. She likes to take her black Labrador retriever, Glory Bea, on the trails with her and let her run through the woods. She and her parents also take Glory Bea to different places to play and swim.

Sarah also has two cats, Oliver and Shadow. She said that they found Oliver two years ago outside in a snow bank and he followed them home. He is a pretty good cat, and Sarah believes it's because he is happy to have a home. Shadow on the other hand is an older cat and can be a bit grumpy sometimes.

Another thing that Sarah enjoys is going on vacation with her parents. They have gone to Cape Hatteras, NC, twice and camped out in a tent. They now have their own trailer there. Her other interests are swimming, hiking and every girl's favorite hobby, shopping. Sarah and her parents Don and Amy live in South Buffalo Township just outside of Freeport.