Support Marla's Dream: Team USA Twirler

My name is Marla Edgecomb and I am raising money for my trip to Torino, Italy for the IBTF (International Baton Twirling Federation) World Championships in August. Last summer at USTA (U.S Twirling Association) Nationals, I qualified in first for the Senior Elite Three-Baton event. Competing as a member of Team USA is a dream come true!

It will cost about $3500 for my trip and over $2000 for coaching and Nationals in the summer, easily reaching $6000+.

With new job, house, and vehicle changes and hardships over this past year, we are all working hard to come up with the money to meet deadlines for my twirling (as well as upcoming college for two).

Baton is near and dear to my heart, as I started with my mom as coach when I was three years old. And thanks to mom, coach Kathy Forsythe, and coach Ginnette Groome, I am a National Three-Baton Champion in my age and juvenile and junior semi-final divisions. I've also won Grand State and Regionals in Three-Baton, and age and divisional titles in Solo, Two-and Three-baton events at the state and regional level.

As my family moved from OR to WA to OH, and I faced obstacles that challenged my commitment and gave me doubts, it was still the sport I loved, so I persevered.

I am a senior at Aurora High School (HS) and the first feature twirler in its history. I love performing twirling and trumpet with my High School Band, and am honored that I was voted President of the Marching Band Council. Besides earning an academic letter for straight A's through HS and a varsity cross country letter, I also play French Horn in the Wind Ensemble, and I am busy as President of Interact (community service) club, serving with NHS (National Honors Society), and I recently qualified to City finals for the Rotary

4-way Speech competition.

I have worked 12-16 hours/week since sophomore year, and this year I have worked more hours to save for my trip to the World Championships, Nationals, and get a new costume.

I'm also working on essays nightly to apply for scholarships to help my family afford college for twins.

I would appreciate any donations to help me in my baton twirling training and with State, Regional, National entries, and my World Championships trip!!