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Age: 11

Parents' names: Cole and Stephanie Newbold, Suella and Bruce Spencer.

Favorite class: Kelsey has had an interest in math since third grade because "it's challenging and it makes me think," she said in an interview.

Activities in school: Kelsey is part of the GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program. For the past two years, she also has served as a Student Council class representative, where she and other students sold popcorn and pickles at lunchtime and coordinated a carnival to raise more than $1,500 to pay for new benches and a water fountain at her alma mater, Sewell Elementary School. Kelsey also was a school tutor for first-grade students and played violin in the school orchestra.

Activities outside of school: Kelsey plays soccer for the Fort Lowell Soccer Club and swims for the Ott YMCA swim team. She has competed for three years, and her favorite event is the 200 individual medley, which consists of 50 yards of breaststroke, backstroke, the butterfly and freestyle swimming. Her favorite stroke is the butterfly because "it's really challenging and makes you tired."

Who would you have lunch with if you could have lunch with anyone (living or dead)? She would eat fast food with Michael Phelps, a seven-time Olympic gold medal winner in swimming. Kelsey said she would ask Michael how to reach her goals, because she aspires to win Olympic gold someday, too.

What book are you reading now? "Tangerine," by Edward Bloor, a fictional book about a blind boy who relocates to Tangerine County, Fla., and joins the soccer team.

Who do you admire most? Kelsey admires her family because "they love me no matter what and they support me and cheer me on in everything I do," she wrote.

What's on your iPod? "Everything from country to disco and pop, but not rap," Kelsey wrote. She added: "I really love Toby Keith because he is so patriotic and loves our country and he stands up for what he believes in."

Plans after high school: Kelsey wants to become an Arizona Wildcat and compete on the school's swim team. "Ever since she was a little kid she has wanted to go to the U of A," said Stephanie Newbold, her stepmother, in an interview.

Dream job: She would like to become a veterinarian, and she is well on her way with two dogs, a cat and two fish at home. At Christmas time in the Newbold household, Kelsey insists the pets have presents under the tree. "She uses her own allowance to buy them presents," her stepmother said.

Favorite place in Tucson: Camp Cooper, an environmental science camp located near the foothills of the Tucson Mountains. Kelsey said her favorite activity there is hunting for animal footprints — she found coyote and packrat prints on one expedition.

Hidden talents: Kelsey has an affinity for photography — black and white or color. She said she loves to take her camera with her wherever she goes. "I like to take pictures of plants and animals," Kelsey said. She has had photos appear on StarNet, the Star's online site.

Vouch: "Kelsey is a bright, kind and compassionate young lady whose loyalty and determination have made her an outstanding student, leader, daughter, sister and friend. She loves her pets and her family and is a loyal and loving friend to all. Most of all, she inspires those around her," wrote Stephanie Newbold, in her nomination.