Claire Elizabeth Kingston, daughter of Kevin and Emily Kingston of Rockingham, has been selected as a finalist in the Pre-Teen North Carolina Academic and Enrichment Program to be held July 24-26, 2009 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Durham.

Pre-Teen North Carolina is a by-invitation only academic and enrichment event involving young ladies 7 to 12 years of age based on their school academic records, awards and honors won and/or their participation in outside activities. Additionally, young ladies are invited who have been recognized publicly for their outstanding personal achievements, volunteer services, school involvement, leadership abilities or creative talents.

State Finalists will be evaluated on (1) Academic Achievement; (2) Volunteer Service to Community; (3) School Honors and Activities; (4) Development of Personal Skills and Abilities; (5) General Knowledge Assessment; (6) Communicative Ability and (7) On-Stage Acknowledgment of Accomplishments.

Pre-Teen North Carolina will award more than $5,000 in Educational Savings Bonds, prizes and awards.

The Pre-Teen America Program, founded in 1990, offers wholesome family activity and currently conducts state programs in many states. The National Headquarters for the Pre-Teen America Academic and Enrichment Program is located in Baton Rouge, La.

Patricia Daniel is the Founder and National Director. The National Charity affiliate of the Pre-Teen America Program is the Shriners Childrens Hospital. The Pre-Teen America Program has donated more than $395,000 since 1990 to the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, as well as, to other previous national charity affiliates.

If you are interested in recommending a potential participant or applying for a future Pre-Teen America state program, you may do so by visiting the website www.preteenamerica.com, e-mailing info@preteenamerica.com or submitting the young lady’s name, address, age, birthday and G.P.A. to the Pre-Teen America National Headquarters, P.O. Box 14328, Baton Rouge, LA 70898.