By Judy Halone-The Courier-Herald

Bonney Lake High School senior Kristin Scribner is a goal-setter.

In fall 2006 she competed in diving and missed qualifying for state by fractions of a point; in March she took home the state gymnastic vault title. Recently, Kristin accomplished another goal she had set three years earlier: She got her hair cut.

Kristin donated 12 inches of her light-brown hair to Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that provides quality hair pieces to financially-disadvantaged teens suffering from hair loss.

Her decision to donate started in eighth grade when her fellow classmate was diagnosed with cancer.

&#8220I started growing my hair out when I was in ninth grade,” Kristin said.

Her mom, Elena Scribner, said the idea was first mentioned by their family's hairdresser, Lake Tapps Salon co-owner Samantha Skolrud.

After Kristin arrived for her appointment, Skolrud carefully measured her hair's length, and then evenly sectioned it off.

&#8220The minimum length Locks of Love will accept is 10 to 12 inches. She has lots of hair, so now she'll need to decide what style she wants and how short she wants to wear it,” Skolrud explained.

As Elena Scribner looked on, Skolrud measured it once more - all 24 inches of it.

&#8220I can do this in two pony tails,” Skolrud said.

&#8220So this is like sending it in twice?” Kristin asked.

Next, Skolrud offered the scissors to Elena Scribner.

&#8220Mom, do you want to cut this?” she asked.

&#8220No,” Elena Scribner hesitated.

&#8220I really like her hair, but I know she wants to do this,” she added.

In just seconds, Kristin's hair length had decreased by a foot, and she beamed.

She had accomplished another goal.

&#8220I've really wanted to do this for a long time,” she said.

Skolrud was pleased to hear of Kristin's satisfaction.

&#8220Normally they're shocked because they've grown it out for so long. They have great intentions to cut it, but to see it, it's a big change,” Skolrud said.

Kristin said she wouldn't miss her long hair, especially as she heads north to Canada this week to volunteer for a month at YoungLife's Malibu Club, where she'll get to enjoy sports and water activities.

&#8220I love the change,” Kristin said.

Her mother gave an approving look.

&#8220I'm totally blessed - I couldn't ask for more. She's such a good kid,” Elena said.

Judy Halone can be reached at jhalone@courierherald.com.