A Great Neck pre-teen brother and sister each placed high at the 2013 National Solo Ice Dance Championships in Colorado Springs.
Howard Zhao, 11 and his sister Sara, 12, were honored by the Town of North Hempstead Tuesday.
At the World Arena and Ice Hockey Complex in September, Howard placed first and Sara finished fourth in the Pattern Dance Championship.
According to a town press release, Howard became the first boy to win the National Solo Ice Dance Championship.
Sara also placed sixth in the combined event.
Each received Certificates of Recognition from North Hempstead.
"This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these two terrific young athletes and their parents who have all made tremendous sacrifices to achieve this success." said Councilwoman Anna Kaplan of Great Neck at the pre-Town Board meeting reception Nov. 19.
Howard and Sara made say their ultimate goal was to make the Olympics, according to their mother, Julie.
The pair trains in the Town of Ramapo, N.Y., and also in Hackensack, N.J., five days per week.
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