West Orange HS Junior Earns Prestigious National Figure Skating Recognition

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

West Orange High School junior Isabella Chen was selected by the United States Figure Skating National Development Team following an outstanding performance at the 2026 Eastern Sectional Finals in Charleston, South Carolina, in November.

After placing in the top 10 in the Eastern US Section, Isabella advanced to compete at Sectionals in the Novice Women’s division, where she finished 4th overall, earning the pewter medal among the section’s top skaters.

As a result of her performance, Isabella was selected to the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Team, identifying her as one of the organization’s top developmental athletes nationwide. In addition, she received an invitation to Elevate 2034: High Performance Programming, a national training initiative inspired by the 2034 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, focused on developing future elite competitors.

Outside the rink, Isabella is an AP student and an active leader in school life, serving as treasurer for FBLA, vice-president of the Asian Culture Club, plays third singles on the varsity Girls Tennis team, and competes on the WOHS fencing team.

Isabella trains regularly at Essex County Codey Arena in West Orange, where she has skated since the age of seven, and also gives back by coaching for the Essex County Learn to Skate Program for young skaters from nearby communities and the Essex Skating Club's Bravo! Theatre On Ice team. The rink truly is Isabella’s second home.

Her dedication, discipline, and passion for performance continue to inspire both on and off the ice.

To see a video of Isabella's winning performance in the Short Program by US Figure Skating, go HERE.

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