Miles wins prestigious youth award, will be honored at UNR dinner tonight

When you look at Rachel Miles' biography, the word balanced comes to mind.

You see, there isn't much that the 12-year-old 7th grader at St. Teresa of Avila hasn't done.

Miles has played a plethora of sports - volleyball, basketball, softball and flag football. She carries a 4.0 GPA and has been heavily involved in numerous school activities like yearbook and drama, and she has helped the elderly in the community, too.

So, it's no surprise that Miles will be honored with the Youth Champion Award tonight at the University of Nevada's 14th annual Pack Paws Salute to Champions Dinner at the Peppermill Resort Casino. WNBA star Lisa Leslie will be the keynote speaker.

The award is given annually to a young girl who demonstrates the attributes of a champion by excelling in athletics, academics and community involvement.

Miles found out via a letter in late February, and she admitted that when she first opened the envelope she thought she hadn't won.

"As I read through it, though, I got excited inside," she said during a telephone interview Monday night. "I was really, really shocked, too."

Miles was nominated for the award by St. Teresa Avila principal Christine Perdomo, who speaks in glowing terms about her.

"Rachel is one of those rare individuals that God has blessed with a multitude of gifts," Perdomo said in her recommendation letter. "Rachel is a talented young lady who represents what a well-balanced student looks like. Her ability to juggle many interests with ease which speaks to her outstanding qualities.

"She has so many strengths. She is upbeat and continues to be kind and generous. She is extraordinary."

Perdomo pointed out that Miles was instrumental in forming the Anti-Bullying Program. She also is active in planning school-wide activities to recognize others for positive actions. Last year she was selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

Exceptional children like Miles usually have a great support system at home. Bill and Angela Miles have been key in her development as a person. Their way of living has certainly rubbed off on their daughter.

"They are wonderful parents," Perdomo said. "They are generous with their time and resources."

The younger Miles has been involved in community service over and above what the school requires of its students.

"I've played my violin at nursing homes, I've baked cookies for the elderly at my church, I've made and delivered lunches for the homeless and I baby-sit when there are PTA meetings at school. I help wherever I can."

Miles said that language arts, taught by Mrs. Evans, is her favorite class at St. Teresa.

"My teacher makes learning really fun," Miles said. "She expresses and explains things really well."

Miles, who has played on school, city and AAU basketball teams, hopes to continue the sports when she goes to Bishop Manogue in two years. She said she wouldn't mind giving volleyball a try, either.

She loves to watch baseball, and her favorite team is the New York Yankees. The 12-year-old said that the Phoenix Suns are her favorite NBA team.

Miles said she is excited about having an opportunity to meet Leslie tonight. She said that she was going to ask Leslie about being the first woman in NBA history to dunk a basketball.