Chandler Champion, a junior at The Alabama School of Fine Arts, was recently named Miss Leeds Area Outstanding Teen for 2010.

She is the daughter of Shane and Debra Champion and has been competing in pageants since she was 13. “I love the pageant system,” she said. “I have gained so many things from pageants such as scholarships, public speaking skills and of course lifelong friendships.” She added she has made so many awesome friends and feels very blessed to have them in her life.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of this system is being able to make a difference in my community and be a positive role model to people young and old alike,” she said.

Chandler’s platform in the pageant system is “Chandler’s Challenge: Reading is Believing.” It focuses on the literacy problems that plague not only the state of Alabama, but also our country as a whole. It also focuses on encouraging visits to local libraries in order to keep them open as well as influence others to pick up a book and expand their mind and broaden their imagination.

Chandler has a long list of awards and winnings over the past few years including Miss Leeds Outstanding Teen 2007, Miss Trussville’s Outstanding Teen 2008 and Miss Painted Rock’s Outstanding Teen in 2009. She has also received scholarships to Troy, Auburn University and the University of Alabama.

Her college plans are to attend Auburn University with a double major in Pediatric Nephrology and dance. “I also plan on auditioning in New York’s Radio City Rockette’s,” she said. This summer she trained with the Rockette’s and preformed on stage at Radio City Music Hall.

It is no secret that Chandler’s favorite pastime is dance. She also loves to read, act and sing.

Family is also a big part of Chandler’s life. She said she loves to hang out with her sister, Zoe’ and spend times with her parents and friends. Her heroes in life are her parents and sister. “Without them I do not know where I would be and what I would do,” she said. “Their love and support are part of many aspects that make them my heroes.”

Sandra McGuire is another person she looks up to in life. “She is such an elegant lady and exudes life,” she said. “I look up to her so much and am so thankful to have her in my life.”

She also looks to her Heavenly Father for direction and said without him, nothing would be possible.

Leeds is Chandler’s home and she said she absolutely loves living here. “The Leeds area has so many things to offer,” she said. “I always enjoy riding through downtown Leeds and looking at all the shops. The Monkey’s Uncle and their Christmas Shop is one of my favorites when I am looking for a special gift. During the month of October, I love getting a good scare at the Atrox Factory and I also love going to the Bass Pro Shop. The winding scenic route leading up to the Pro shop is not only beautiful, but relaxing as well. I am so excited about the growth of our community and I would like to encourage everyone to support our local businesses.”

“Don’t let yesterday’s disappointments overshadow tomorrow’s dreams, because tomorrow’s dream are reachable!”–a quote Chandler said she lives by.