Christina Papola, a ninth-grade honor student at Massapequa High School-Ames campus, took the Gold Medal in the novice division of the singles figure skating competition this past weekend at the Empire State Games in Lake Placid.

Christina competed against 36 fellow skaters from across New York State in the competition and is ecstatic with her accomplishment.

Balancing the schedule demands of figure skating with those involved in being in high school is no easy task, but one Christina takes on willingly. She aspires to compete for a spot on the Olympic Team in the next two years. "Congratulations, and best of luck," said a spokesperson for the school district.