CircusTeens is CircEsteem’s youth employment program created in 2004. It provides opportunities for older students to become more involved with CircEsteem. It is an opportunity for them to gain work experience and save money for college while doing something they love. The CircusTeens are paid to mentor younger students, teach circus skills, perform and assist at HomeWork & CircusWork, Summer and Winter Camp, and on Saturdays with the Chicago Youth Circus. In order to be a CircusTeen, students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average, demonstrate a level of maturity and responsibility, be able to show mastery of specific circus skills, have a passion for performing and model positive behavior and leadership skills.
Edith Keme was born in Togo. Her family moved to Chicago in 2001 and she joined CircEsteem in 2003. Through CircEsteem Edith has traveled around the country and internationally. In 2009, Edith went to the World Gym Wheel Championships in Switzerland. She was accompanied by her teammates and coach Wolfgang Bientzle. Wolfgang is an 8-time World Champion in the Gym Wheel. Edith hopes that she and her teammates can follow in his footsteps.