GIRARD - Justine Palmer, 13, of Girard recently traveled to Columbus to compete in the National Baton Twirling Association's 2009 Ohio State Solo Championships and Open Competition.
Justine placed first and represents the state in the beginner category for Modeling-Best Appearing (10-12) and X-strut (10-12) and placed second in the state for her (10-12) solo. In the open competition, she placed first in X-strut and second in solo.
Justine is the daughter of Jeff and Angela Palmer and gets straight As at Girard Junior High School. She has been competing for three years under the direction of Tina Brown, also of Girard. She also dances, plays the piano and saxophone.