A fourth-grader at Eastside Connections School in Niles is gaining attention for what she can do on a pair of ice skates.

Anna Tibbitts will compete Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Columbus Indiana Ice Skating Invitational Competition.

There, Tibbitts will represent the Irish Figure Skating Club in free skate level two. Previously she received the third-place medal at the Indiana State Skating Championship held Nov. 16, in Carmel.

As a member of the Irish Figure Skating Club, Tibbits practices twice a week at South Bend’s Ice Box indoor skating rink under the direction of Coach Michelle Mensik and Assistant Coach Diana Wolff.

Tibbitts has completed the eight levels of basic skills and is now enrolled in U.S. Figure Skating’s free skate instructions.

She had to master waltz jump, side toe hops, toe loops, spirals and spins to compete at this level.

Students interested in learning advanced ice-skating are invited to sign up for “Learn To Skate” lessons with the Irish Figure Skating Club. Classes for children and adults begin at 5:15 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, for eight weeks of Friday night lessons. There is a fee for lessons and membership in U.S. Figure Skating. Sign up at www.irishfsc.org or call coach Mensik at (574) 288-3300 ext. 202.

Irish Figure Skating Club is a non-profit volunteer run educational organization.