Local Fifth Grader Serves as Sweeper at National Skate Event

Lindley Weiss from Glen Carbon took a special role at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, helping collect gifts and stuffed animals during competition sessions.

Jan 13, 2026 9:56 AM Jan 14, 2026 9:56 AM

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GLEN CARBON - Fifth-grader Lindley Weiss of Cassens Elementary School in Glen Carbon took on a unique role at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in St. Louis, serving as a sweeper during the Monday and Tuesday sessions.

Weiss, of Glen Carbon, a member of the River’s Edge Figure Skating Club, was selected to be a sweeper with other young skaters aged 8-14.

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Sweepers collect the stuffed animals and sort gifts thrown on the ice after a skater’s performance during the event. More than 50 skaters from the St. Louis region were chosen for their skating ability, personality, and positive attitude.

The volunteer sweeper positions are considered a privilege and honor for young skaters as they can share the ice with the best of the best on the biggest and brightest stage in figure skating.

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Weiss’s mother, Cara Weiss, expressed pride in her daughter’s opportunity.

“Lindley was really excited to be a sweeper,” said Cara. “It isn’t an opportunity that comes along often, so it was definitely a wow moment for her when she was chosen. She was able to meet Alyssa Liu and Jason Brown this year, and that was amazing, but now to get to be a sweeper during the U.S. Championships, where a lot of her idols are competing, was unbelievable.”

Cassens Elementary administration expressed great pride in Lindley for her accomplishment. They also highlighted Weiss’s experience as an example of the exceptional opportunities available to its students inside and outside the classroom.