Kaeleigh Ashton Thorp, a resident of San Leandro and sophomore at Encinal High School in Alameda, was crowned Miss California National Teenager at the California pageant in Fremont on April 11, 2009. The
American National Teenager Scholarship Organization has been providing scholarships, prizes and opportunities for nearly 40 years to young women between the ages of 9 and 25.
Contestants were judged on academics and school awards, leadership, extra-curricular activities and community service, communication skills in interview, poise and appearance in evening gown, personal expression, and an onstage question. Along with her state title, Thorp received a model and talent contract worth $4,000 and a Certificate of Excellence for outstanding academics. Thorp also received over $30,000 in college scholarships.
Thorp is enrolled in advanced placement, accelerated, and community college classes and hopes to graduate high school with an AA degree. She received the first-ever National Teen Leadership "All Around Inspiration" award and was a United States Achievement Academy
National Science Scholar and grant recipient. She is a member of Mensa, the International High IQ Society, Intertel, and the Top One
Percent Society, is her class Vice President and serves as a 1st Lieutenant in Encinal's JROTC program. Thorp is also a member of Wall Street Wizards financial literacy Saturday academy and recently became a Teen Vogue "It" Girl.
She is on the varsity track and field team where she participates in shot put and discus and has attended the Nike Track and Field "Camp of
Champions" for the past several years.
Active in many service learning projects, Thorp's most recent community service activities include supporting our troops through the anymarine.com, Soldiers' Angels, and Soldiers' Bakers programs where she sends monthly care packages and correspondence to "adopted" Marines and Soldiers currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Her love of theater and drama led her to be cast in her school's productions of Carousel and RENT, and she has had speaking roles in
several public service announcements, education videos, and a Rexona commercial. She was also a Clean and Clear "Pure
Confidence" national top five finalist. Thorp is signed with Tami Erin Model & Talent.
Thorp will travel to Nashville, Tennessee this July to represent California at the national pageant. She is proudly sponsored by Orbit
Skate Shop in San Leandro. The program encourages titleholders to participate in community events and activities. To schedule an appearance, contact kaeleigh2005@yahoo.com .