Kamryn Sallee takes senior pictures in Marietta. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — As a young girl, Kamryn Sallee looked up to the Parkersburg South High School Southern Belle dance team and hoped she would one day dance along side them.

“Dancing is something I have always loved, and I always looked up to the Southern Belles when I was a little girl,” said Sallee.

Sallee has been a part of the Southern Belle team all four years of her high school career and has performed at home football and basketball games, as well as parades and other events. Sallee feels blessed to be a part of the team as it has helped her grow. This year, the Belles got second place in the National Dance Alliance Nationals competition.

“The Belles team has been a blessing to me. It has ultimately taught me who I am as I’ve grown through the years,” she said. “I love my team so much and it will be hard having to leave them when I graduate.”

Sallee finds comfort through dance, art and photography. She took art as a filler class during her junior year and fell in love.

Kamryn Sallee, center, stands with her parents Tammy and Kevin Sallee during Parkersburg South High School Senior Night. (Photo Provided)

“I adore my teacher,” she said. “Mrs. (Stacey) White introduced me and was my biggest critic when I first started, she knew that I could create amazing art before I did.”

Sallee likes to create art that is fun and vibrant. She feels inspired by Impressionism and the art of Claude Monet.

“I believe that if you don’t have fun creating the piece of art, then you won’t love the outcome no matter how good it may be,” she said.

Sallee won “Best Use of Color” in the PSHS Art Show with one of her pieces and first place in the Wood Whispers contest with another.

Sallee is a 3.8 GPA student at PSHS. She has taken several honors and college courses to help her prepare for her college career. This year she is taking photography and graphic design college courses online at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

Kamryn Sallee has dreamed of being a Southern Belle since she was a young girl. This photo was taken at Ohio University. (Photo Provided)

Sallee will continue her education at WVU-P after graduation. She plans to major in business.

“I’ve always been a leader and someone who takes charge, and the thought of running my own business is something that has always interested me,” she said.

James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com

Kamryn Sallee loves taking care of her little sister, Tayler. (Photo Provided)

This piece of art by Kamryn Sallee won “Best Use of Color” in the Parkersburg South High School art show. (Photo Provided)

This piece of art by Kamryn Sallee won first place in Wood Whispers. (Photo Provided)

Kamryn Sallee and the Southern Belles competition team after receiving their second place trophy at the NDA Nationals competition. (Photo Provided)