On Sept. 15, Miss Virginia, Tara Wheeler, will talk to middle school students at 2:20 p.m. in Fishburn Auditorium. Her presentation, “Empowering America’s Youth” will cover a broad range of topics, focusing primarily on breaking stereotypes to build leaders.

“I am excited to once again bring Miss Virginia to our middle school students and faculty. Her positive message and leadership abilities make her an excellent role model for all of our students,” said Amanda Amos a middle school teacher who leads the middle school’s Student Council Association which is coordinating the event.

Wheeler, 24, is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in journalism. Growing up in a military family, Wheeler has lived all across the country but has called Virginia home for 13 years. Her education was funded, in part, through an Air Force ROTC scholarship. At Penn State, she was an Air Force ROTC cadet mentor and flight commander. She completed officer boot camp at the top of her flight. While at Penn State, she was also the starting goalie for the Lady Icers Ice Hockey Team, holding numerous goaltending records and she participated in the US Olympic Team tryouts. Upon completion of her year of service, Wheeler hopes to pursue a masters degree in journalism at Regent University and work as a reporter or anchor in television.

Miss Virginia is also founder of “Positive Role Models Building Powerful Women.” Her strong beliefs and message of building self-esteem and breaking stereotypes will teach today’s youth leadership skills for tomorrow. Her efforts have been recognized by the United Nations World Headquarters in New York City, by Joe Gibb’s Youth for Tommorow and by Monster’s Making It Count program.

The visit is being sponsored by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Miss Virginia’s appearance will echo messages taught in middle school health classes about the ill-effects of smoking. Her presentation will enable students with the tools to make good decisions for today and their future.

OTHER RECENT NORTH CROSS COVERAGE

* Sept. 14: North Cross field hockey falls to Charlottesville
* Sept. 14: Photos of North Cross runners in Knights Crossing Invitational cross-country meet.
* Sept. 12: North Cross schedules open houses
* Sept. 12: North Cross to host invitational volleyball tournament
* Sept. 10: North Cross Raiders pull off huge road win in volleyball
* Sept. 8: North Cross volleyball wins against Chatham Hall
* Sept. 8 Art exhibit at North Cross open until October