On Saturday April 12, 2003. I had the opportunity to watch as 8 of our students competed in the NY State Championship held at Queen’s College. Although it was a very early start, a long day and a very hot afternoon, none of the students allowed their tiredness to show. For some of the parents it was the first time their child competed in N.Y. Although they were as nervous as we were, they never showed it. During each of their competitions, they remembered everything that had been taught to them during regular and Olympic sparring classes. The pride of their accomplishments was evident by their smiles and our applause. If I had one suggestion it would be for all the competitors and their families to remain for the duration of the competition to cheer on the other students from our school. It would make the competitor feel better hearing more than one voice cheering them on to do their best. All-in-all it was a very long day of competition, but worth the wait. Especially after their great results and numerous medals. All eight of them are now half way to qualifying for the Taekwondo Junior Olympics. – written by Jackie Kissel