Cassie Bence, 17

University School of Milwaukee

Accomplishment:
First Team Wisconsin All-State Ski Team. She's also an outstanding field hockey player and loves horseback riding.

Key to Awesomeness:
Cassie finished 5th in the Giant Slalom and 3rd in the Super G races at the Wisconsin State Ski Meet in February.

Cassie said that she started skiing in the fourth grade with one of her friends and "I've loved it ever since." She said she might even ski in college, but isn't sure where she'd like to go yet.

One of her inspirations is Olympic skier Julia Mancuso. "She's amazing," Cassie said.

Although she said that skiing is her life, she has a few other hobbies as well. She likes to paint with acrylics and take photos.

But Cassie also is a volunteer. Every summer she goes to a work camp with her church, and they build houses, porches, or anything a less fortunate person may need. 

"I like helping people and seeing their face when it's done and they have that smile on that says 'thank you.'  You've helped them with something they coudn't get done and they needed," Cassie said.