Meet your neighbor and Illini West Senior Leah Pence of rural Dallas City.
The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Christy Kienast, The Quill
Meet your neighbor and Illini West Senior Leah Pence of rural Dallas City.
Leah was born on March 1, 1995 in Burlington, Iowa. She is the daughter of Rodney and Beth Pence.
Beth works at Two Rivers Insurance in Burlington, IA and Rodney works for the Dallas Rural Water District.
Leah has a younger sister, Lara, 13 who attends Dallas City Elementary. Lara enjoys playing basketball, volleyball and softball. Leah says, "Lara tries to act just like me!"
Leah is the granddaughter of Larry and Lois Douglas of Durham, Sheldon Pence of Dallas City, Sherrie and Terry Caldwell of Burlington, IA, Mary Douglas of Durham and Gail and Barb Logan of Dallas City.
During high school Leah has been very busy with clubs and sports. She has played volleyball, softball, and ASA softball for the Midwest Magic. She is a member of FBLA, International Club and the Durham Church. She also helped assist the junior high volleyball team for the La Harpe/Dallas City Eagles.
One of her favorite vacation memories is going to Walt Disney World this past summer with grandparents, Larry and Lois. Her aunt, uncle and cousins went also, which was really cool because her cousin Abbey is one of her best friends. Leah says it rained every day, but that didn't stop them from having fun in their rain ponchos. They got to see some cool places, eat some good food, ride some intense rides and have a really nice time enjoying each other's company.
She has had many memorable high school moments, but was able to pick a couple from her experience from playing softball with the Midwest Magic. One of her favorites was when the Magic beat the Sirens to win a tournament and became ranked the best team in Illinois. Another great Magic moment was when she and 3 other girls almost got kicked out of the hotel by an FBI agent.
Her hobbies are hanging out with family and friends, playing sports, helping Lara with anything she needs, swimming, and anything to do with the outdoors which she loves. Leah also likes to go shopping with her mom and hunting with her dad.
She is proud to be part of a great softball team and having the opportunity to go to Nationals. And she likes having her little sister look up to her and asking her for advice. "That must mean she thinks I'm pretty cool."
After graduation, Leah plans to attend Western Illinois University to pursue a degree in Fashion Merchandising.