Age 11
Peachtree City

Last year, my school held its first annual talent show. I go to a small private school, so it was a huge deal.

I've been dancing since age three and my dance team was the national champions at our Las Vegas dance competition in 2005, so, of course, I entered a dance routine. There was only one problem, though. I would be competing against high-schoolers and middle-schoolers. Even my own friends didn't believe in me. When the talent show finally came, I did my best and smiled until my mouth ached and-guess what-I won!

Of course, not everyone was thrilled. High-schoolers and middle-schoolers made rude remarks since their buddies hadn't won, but I didn't care.

Although, I couldn't have done it without the help of my wonderful dance teachers, Stephen Ball (Uncle Steve) and Bethany Smith and God. I had done something no one else said I could accomplish. I felt great.