NORWOOD — The environment was like a small scale Hannah Montana concert at the Paragon School of Artistic Gymnastics, which featured more than 50 screaming little girls, a celebrity appearance and even a few lines of singing.

The gymnasts, girls ranging from age 4 to 15, were seated on the blue mat, clutching everything from Carly Patterson head shot photos to arm bands for her to sign.

"We’re really excited and the whole thing is a good idea," said young gymnast Jacqueline Reverand of Closter.

Patterson is the fifth Olympian to come speak at the PSAG. Owner Randy Pendergast was ecstatic, since every guest speaker that visits signs the balance bar. He was especially overjoyed because Patterson‘s signature will help replace the Nadia Comaneci autograph, which is fading since she visited a few years ago.

But the visit was more than just a signature, as it provided first hand motivation for the kids.

"Every time I’ve had an Olympian come here they talk about their starting point and how a lot can be accomplished," said Pendergast. "By watching one of their heroes, their desire will become tenfold."

Twenty minutes after her scheduled time, Patterson strolled in, waving and smiling, wearing a white hoodie. The girls exploded with anticipation and screams of joy filled the room.

"I think she’s awesome," said another gymnast, Lily Weber of Closter.

Patterson is touring the gymnastic centers in the area, promoting the 2008 Tyson American Cup at Madison Square Garden March 1.

Soon after she arrived, she opened up the question and answer session.

The first question: "Why were you late?"

This brought a mild chuckle to everyone. Patterson insisted that she had hit traffic, but this question only scratched the surface of the variety of questions on the night.

At one point during the event one girl asked if the celebrity would sing, as Patterson is now competing for Grammys instead of gold medals, with the launch of a possible singing career.

There were a few gymnastic related questions and this is where the girls really tuned in. The girls were engrossed in Patterson’s response and looked to apply her words to the sport they loved.

One question focused on the feeling of competing and performing in front of a big crowd.

"It’s overwhelming, but exciting at the same time," said Patterson.

Another question asked the reason why she was leaving gymnastics behind.

"I accomplished everything I ever dreamed of in gymnastics and I felt like it was just time for me to move on," said Patterson.

The open session didn’t end with a question, but a compliment as one girl complemented Patterson’s hair.

As the girls lined up and had the opportunity to get autographs and pictures, Rachael Rosenthal, who helped plan the event, stood nearby and watched the girl’s reactions, as many girls stood side by side with their role model.

"It just brings so much motivation to the girls and lets them see that you can reach for your dreams and goals," said Rosenthal.

The event couldn’t come at a better time. Some of the girls had just finished competing the weekend before and others had a meet the following week.

A parent from Closter, who has a daughter in each age category, said, "It gets both of them fired up, since I have one competing this weekend, to meet a hero of theirs, and for the other, it’s a nice reward."

Many parents thought the event was a success and were thrilled to see their daughters’ faces light up. Even though it was less than an hour, the event greatly affected the kids.

"This puts my daughter more on her toes and makes them try their hardest to do their best," said New Milford resident Marie Denigris. "Gymnastics is hard work and it’s great to see them meet their role model."

"It’s very exciting and motivating and by her [Patterson] being here you really don’t know where you can go if you don’t set limits for yourself," said young gymnast Alexandra Paspalas of Closter.

To end the night Patterson took pictures with all the teams in the PSAG. The event brightened up the day for many young aspiring athletes and left every girl satisfied with smiles on their faces.

"We’ve been touring the gymnastic centers in the area and this is one of the biggest turnouts," said USA Gymnastics Director of Event Marketing Justin Hirnisey. "It’s a great meeting and it’s special for the kids to meet with their favorite sports star.

"To see it on the girls faces is exciting."

E-mail: cheung@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6709