May 2007

GCH

May Gymnast of the Month

Josie

When I began to talk with Josie I blinked several times in disbelief. The appearance was of a young, muscular, mini-athlete, but what was coming out vocally was articulate, confident and composed far beyond her years.

“I started gymnastics on my second birthday; I’m now 7 so it’s been a fun 5 years for me.” “I’m the oldest girl in the family – both of my brothers and my sister take gymnastics here at GCH – so it’s a big family thing for us. Mom is running one or two of us almost every day for classes and then taking me for meets on weekends.”

“I started out taking gymnastics in Virginia, but we moved right away to Hershey. I really prefer Hershey – the coaches are so much better, they take the time to explain things and really care how well you succeed."

Currently in the First Grade, Josie’s favorite book is “Tacky the Penguin”. “It’s really funny; Tacky liked to be different and try new things – like me.” “The other penguins tried to make him be boring and like all the others.”

Josie has two cats – Kiara and Katie.

“My Mom likes us to be active – she was a cheerleader and did gymnastics, so she supports and really cheers for me.” “This year has been very good to me – 3 first places (best was States =1^st on Beam – a 9.45!). “ also got a 2^nd on all around.” “At Nittany I got a 9.45 on Floor and a 3^rd all around.”

“At our last meet I tied with my 2 best friends on Floor – we all got a 9.0!”

Here’s a statement that both amazed and profoundly impressed me. It is a testament to the maturity and strength of character of this with this precocious 7 year old lady.

When I asked Josie “Josie, have you won many medals through the time you’ve been in gymnastics?”

Here was her reply WORD FOR WORD:

“In my room I’ve got 34 medals and 10 trophies up on display. I count them at night two times a week. It helps me remember in my competition where they came from and what I’ve got to do to earn more.”

Keep counting Josie, with your hard work and great attitude someday you’ll have so many medals and trophies that it will be hard to count them all and no room will be big enough to hold them!!!

April Gymnast of the Month