While snow and ice blanketed the region last week, world and national figure skating champion Kimmie Meissner was in Florida. Meissner and her parents, Paul and Judy, traveled south for a series of skating shows.
She hadn?t been gone long, but apparently Meissner needed introduction Thursday when she was given some new hardware. Not a gold medal, but a name tag.
“Thanks,” Meissner said with a giggle. “A name tag!”
The laminated card was likely unnecessary for her Fallston High classmates, but maybe for the out-of-town Maryland school officials in attendance. Meissner took time from her Foundations of Technology class Thursday to help promote the re-launch of “PRIDE: Maryland Public Schools,” a campaign partnership between the Maryland State Department of Education and Comcast that recognizes the accomplishments of those involved in Maryland?s public schools system.
Meissner?s accomplishments have already been recognized on a global scale, but her latest focus is on graduating from Fallston.
“It?s so great,” she said of closing in on commencement. “But it?s going to be sad. The last couple months have been flying by.”
Having won her first U.S. Figure Skating title last month, Meissner, who only attends class in the mornings, has lately missed more time that usual.
She had a big English test on Macbeth Friday.
“I?ve missed a lot,” Meissner said. “But I came back [Wednesday] and I still knew what was going on. So that was good.”
After answering questions about literature, her focus is back to landing the triple axel ? a risky, but rewarding jump if done cleanly.
She?s currently testing out the jump while breaking in new skates, which she typically does every six months.
The current world title-holder, Meissner is playing the unusual role of favorite heading into the World Championships, set for March 23-24 in Tokyo.
“It is different. I?m actually not that nervous about it,” Meissner said. “I felt a lot of pressure at nationals, and I was a little nervous in the last program. Now that it?s over with, it?s much better.”
So too, will be her triple axel, now that she?s gotten past that English exam.
KIMMIE?S BUSY SCHEDULE
» Kimmie Meissner, who filmed national TV advertisements last month after winning the U.S. title, is currently starring in a Subway commercial with restaurant spokesperson Jared Fogle. She also inked a deal recently to be outfitted by Baltimore-based performance apparel company Under Armour.
» Meissner was joined Thursday at the public schools campaign kickoff by Maryland superintendent of schools Dr. Nancy Grasmick, Easton High graduate Bria Smith, Brunswick Elementary principal Jerry DeGrange, Woodlawn Middle volunteer Sam Macer, and Coppin State professor Dr. Charles Christian.
