Area girl wins preteen title

Papia

In August, 9-year-old Gabrielle Papia participated in the 2007 Preteen New York Scholarship and Recognition Program held in Secaucus, N.J. There, she competed with female honor roll pupils, ages 7 to 12 years, for over $5,000 in saving bonds, prizes and awards.

After being evaluated in seven criteria divisions, including academic achievements; volunteer service to church and community; school honors and awards; development of personal skills and abilities; general knowledge; communicative ability and onstage expressiveness; and overall preteen image, Gabrielle was selected as the 2007 Preteen New York Jr. Division title holder.

She replaced outgoing title holder Alexis Selak of Tonawanda.

Gabrielle also won the Jr. Talent Award after performing on her harp, and the Jr. Spirit Award, for which she was nominated by her peers.

All three awards granted her an invitation to the 2008 Preteen America Nationals to be held in Baton Rouge, La., in July. She will have the opportunity to compete for $25,000 in savings bonds, prizes and awards.

Gabrielle is the daughter of Paul and Tammy Papia of Lockport and the granddaughter of Charles and Theresa Papia of Williamsville, formerly of Kenmore.

She was sponsored by Ulrich Landscaping, Kitchen Concepts, Eastern Niagara OB/GYN, Dr. Gilkar, Mayfair Studios, Lauries Formals & Bridal and friends.