Maggie Ice competes in the 99th National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, N.J., in June. (Photo Provided)

VIENNA — Jackson Middle School student Maggie Ice placed ninth in the 99th National Marble Tournament.

Ice was introduced to the game of marbles by her dad and has played it ever since.

“My dad came up with this idea to start a Marbles Club and I thought he was crazy,” she said. “Once I gave it try, I actually liked playing marbles.”

Ice has been a member of the club since it started in 2017. The club is comprised of different elementary and middle school students throughout Wood County. During meetings, she hones her shooting technique and studies the rules of the game. She enjoys getting to meet new people to play against.

“It’s a fun group and it’s an activity that doesn’t require someone to be a fantastic athlete to be able to participate,” she said.

Maggie Ice, right, enjoys her summer vacation on the beach with her sister, Gracie. (Photo Provided)

This year, ice was able to attend the 99th National Marbles Tournament in June. It’s held in Wildwood, N.J. Ice loved playing marbles on the beach. She placed ninth overall. Ice said she plans to go back and qualify for next year’s tournament. In the past she has qualified in 2020 and 2021 but was unable to go due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“I was shocked that I did as well as I did for my first year. Some of the other girls I played against were amazing and had been playing for much longer than me,” she said. “I just missed making semi-finals by two points, but I was still super proud of how I did. I am hoping to go back next year, use some new skills that I have learned and compete, again, for a national title.”

Ice loves to sing and is a member of the Jackson Eighth Grade Choir, Jackson Select Choir, Jackson Women’s Ensemble and the Smoot Theatre Girls Ensemble. Her favorite group to sing with is the Smoot Theater Girls Ensemble.

“I love being able to sing with a group of talented all female singers in middle and high school from all over the MOV,” she said.

Ice has a 4.0 GPA and enjoys learning about English and history.

Maggie Ice, as well as other Grand Central Church youth sing in the Smoot Theater Childrens Chorus and Girls Ensemble. In front from left, Elaina Koskey, Parker Delbaugh and Khloe Porter. In back from left, Riley Ball and Maggie Ice. (Photo Provided)

“I like English because it allows me to be creative and read,” she said. “I like history beaus it’s interesting to learn about the past and how things have changed over time.”

Ice likes to stay busy and participates in several other extracurricular activities, such as volleyball, history bowl, Grand Central Church of Christ Youth Ministry group and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

In her spare time, Ice volunteers with her family and through her church youth group.

“I’ve done a mission almost every year of my life. I have gone to serve at children’s homes, helped run vacation bible schools for other churches, worked on painting projects, worked in food pantries, clothing closets, visited nursing homes and love serving at the North Canton, Ohio, food giveaway,” she said. “I have also helped locally with the Thrive organization, participated in Walk for Water, donated to Kelly’s Closet and participated in Extra Life 24 Hours of Gaming to help raise money for the children’s hospitals and served food at the Salvation Army.”

Ice chooses to volunteer, because she genuinely enjoys helping others.

Maggie Ice dresses as Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast during the Jackson Middle School Disney Benefit Choir Concert. (Photo Provided)

“My family is always volunteering, so I was born into it and it’s just something we do often and I really like it,” she said.

Ice also loves watching murder mysteries, doing art and reading books.

James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com

Maggie Ice celebrates Easter with her church family. (Photo Provided)

Maggie Ice, left, works with Natalie Cole on a craft during vacation bible school at church. (Photo Provided)