Annabelle "Belle" Modeen is spreading the news that Superior's got talent.
The 11-year-old, who will attend sixth grade at Superior Middle School this fall, is a hardworking triple threat who's been featured at a number of events this year.
She sang the national anthem at the Solon Springs fireworks display, two Duluth Huskies games and the Fitger's 5K and Park Point 5-Miler races.
"Belle is one of our youngest national anthem singers ever," said Becca Jago, intern manager with the Huskies. "It takes a lot of confidence, and she possesses that."
The Superior girl also plays Curly the lost boy in the Duluth Playhouse's "Peter Pan Jr.," which opens Friday, July 27.
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Superior audiences might be more familiar with her work on this side of the bridge. She starred in the Superior High School musical "Annie" in 2017 and was Birgitta in this year's "Sound of Music."
"She's the kind of kid who would take any part given to her and be amazing at it, no matter how big or small," said Amber Gilbert, who co-directs the musicals with Cheri Tesarek.
Belle has dreams of making it to Broadway in high school. She's even launched Belle's Broadway Fund at Superior Choice Credit Union.
But she doesn't only dream it. Taking voice teacher Tanya Moore's advice, she seeks opportunities to stretch her talent.
"Just do it - that's what I tell all of them," Moore said of her students.
Belle has been dancing for about 10 years, first with Just for Kix and now with Madill Performing Arts Studio. She added acting to the list when she was 8 years old.
"I do think Belle has the potential to be one of those people that makes it in the big time," Tesarek said. "She reminds me a little of Shirley Temple in the way she is so natural and likable."
Belle is also a softball player. Sometimes, her mother said, she'll tap-dance in the dugout while wearing cleats.
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And she's an older sister to three brothers, who are involved in hockey, football and baseball. Modeen has sung the national anthem at their Superior Amateur Hockey Association games; they attend her performances.
Fitting in all the rehearsals and practices is a juggling act, Nicole Modeen said. She and husband, Erik, "high-five across the bridge" many nights. But they want to open doors for all the children.
"If they're versatile in many things, they can decide," said Nicole, a photographer.
"Peter Pan Jr." performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, July 27; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 28; and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 29.
