By McKenna MIDDLETON

Eleven-year-old Dana Lee Ryan has been warming hearts since the age of 6 with an incredible singing voice that greatly exceeds her small size. For Dana, bringing joy to others is what singing is all about.

“I love that I can make people happy with my singing,” Dana said.

Dana sang the national anthem at a Los Angeles Kings’ game on Dec 21. It may be hard – not to mention terrifying –  for most to imagine singing such a well-known song in the packed arena, but the Mountain Avenue Elementary School fifth grader got over her nervousness as soon as the first note left her mouth. Singing the national anthem is familiar territory for Dana because she has performed it at numerous sporting events including a Washington Mariner’s game on Sept 29. She credits a strong system of family and friends for her support, not the least are her devoted parents.

“The best part for me is just watching her get out there and sing. Everyone is so amazed to hear this big voice come out of such a little kid,” Rachel Ryan, Dana’s mother, said.

Dana treasures the entire experience of singing at the King’s game from auditioning to singing to watching the game. She worked hard to prepare for the event, taking vocal lessons and practicing for weeks. All her hard work paid off in the end.

“A lot of people actually came up and thanked me after the game. Some even asked for my autograph,” Dana said of her experience at the King’s game.

She has found that soldiers are especially enchanted by her singing and thank her for keeping the song pure. Despite her talent and potential, Dana has remained humble and charming. She enjoys sharing her gift with others, hoping to inspire and encourage them to pursue their own dreams.

Singing at sporting events is a perfect combination for Dana, who loves both sports and singing. She plays on three soccer teams in Crescenta Valley but enjoys other sports as well.

In addition to soccer and singing, she plays two instruments and loves to act. She is a part of the La Cañada Junior Theater where she has performed in numerous musicals. She aspires to be an actress on Broadway.

Dana hopes to have the opportunity to sing the national anthem at other sporting events in the future – which, given her talent and ambition, is probable.

  Mckenna MIDDLETON