APLINGTON - Young Cyclone fans managed to overlook a minor detail, like team loyalty, to welcome a talented baton twirler from a rival university.

A number of students at Aplington Elementary prefer Iowa State over the University of Iowa. Nonetheless, the kids whooped, hollered and cheered Tuesday for a former Hawkeye Golden Girl, Diana Reed.

Reed, crowned Miss Iowa in 2007, visited the Aplington-Parkersburg School District to talk about character. She also did what she is best known for, twirling batons.

Her dexterity impressed fourth-grader Ellie Uhlenhopp of Aplington, a Cyclone fan. Uhlenhopp has tried to control a baton and knows the skill isn't easy.

"I can twist it only two times in a row and then it falls," the 10-year-old said.

Though Reed's stunts tend to be the most eye-catching part of her presentations - she can juggle three batons at a time - she hopes her message leaves a lasting impact. As the reigning Miss Iowa, Reed tours the state promoting character education. She follows a six-pillar formula taught in many Iowa schools.

Her itinerary this week calls for stops in Waterloo today.

The character issue caught the attention of Aplington Elementary Principal Amy May, who also applauded Reed's academic accomplishments.

"She impresses me as someone who's maybe a pretty driven individual," May said.

Tuesday, Reed recited the character pledge in unison with Aplington Elementary students. The Norwalk native also distributed bracelets symbolizing each of the pillars: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Each quality, Reed said, helped her achieve her dreams, such as earning the Miss Iowa title, twirling five years as a Golden Girl and dancing on Broadway.

"The formula for success is a simple math equation," Reed said. "Hard work plus opportunity equals success."

Reed practiced at least two hours a day to maintain her baton twirling position with the University of Iowa's marching band. And as a newly minted role model, Reed said she is careful to make sure her words and actions exemplify good traits whether she is in front of an audience or by herself.

Kids need to think big, Reed said, even when life offers different outcomes. Reed hoped to add the title of Miss America in January, but that honor went to a young woman from Michigan.

Still, Reed said she is proud to be the first Miss Iowa in 15 years to place in the top 10 during the national competition.

Jordie Kampman, 10, appreciated the content of Miss Iowa's presentation - a message familiar to Aplington Elementary students.

"I like how she had stories for every character," the fourth-grader said.

Reed wants her advice to help young people make good decisions.

"My hope is just inspire them and hope something will click … "

Aplington Food and Grain, Lincoln Savings Bank and First State Bank helped make Reed's visit possible, May said. Grant funding available to Iowa schools covered part the expense for Reed's visit to the district, she added.

Contact Karen Heinselman

at (319) 291-1581 or

karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.