Presenting the USAG New Jersey 2024 Graduating Seniors
Sydney Arbitman
Level 9
Cherry Hill Gymnastics Academy
Coaches: Nina Weller and Scott Weller
Home Town: Philadelphia, PA
Parents: Lisa Arbitman and Joe Arbitman
Sydney plans to attend West Chester University to major in Marketing
Academic Achievements:
Distinguished Honor Roll 2020-2024
School Ambassador 2022-2024
Gymnastics Achievements:
State Championship Qualifier 2017-2022
Words of Wisdom:
If you encounter an obstacle, persevere. Make your setback the groundwork of your success.
Georgia Carroll
Level 10
North Stars Gymnastics
Coaches: Ashley Umberger, Faith Baranow, Melissa Jones & Heather Moroz
Home Town: Warren, NJ
Parents: Maria and Tim Carroll
Georgia plans to attend Boston University to major in Finance
Gymnastics Achievements:
Level 9 Regional Champion
Words of Wisdom:
The most important thing you can do is have fun!
Meghan Carson
Xcel Diamond
Action Gymnastics
Coaches: Jacqui and Sara
Parents Name: Mike Carson
Home Town: Middletown, NJ
Meghan plans to attend the University of South Carolina
Keira Chang
Xcel Diamond
SVY Gymnastics
Coaches: Rachel Covert, Laura Ambrosio & Amy Krueger
Home Town: Bridgewater, NJ
Parents: Chris Chang & Lee Luc
Keira plans to attend Syracuse University to major in Architecture
Academic Achievements:
Honor Roll
Chinese Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
2023 YMCA League Bar State Champion
2023 YMCA Nationals Xcel Diamond Finals Qualifier
2023 Bring the Action Invitational – 1st AA
2024 Spartan Winter Classic – 1st on Bars
Words of Wisdom:
When things become difficult, continue to push through, because in the end it will make you more confident and you will be able to accomplish things that you never thought you were capable of.
Kaitlyn Cosper
Level 9
Will-Moor Gymnastics
Home Town: Marlton, NJ
Kaitlyn plans to attend the University of South Carolina to major in Aerospace Engineering
Academic Achievements:
Honors Student throughout High School
Member of Spanish Honors Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
9 Eastern National Qualifier 2022 & 2023
6th on BB at Eastern Nationals 2022
Captain of the Cherokee High School Gymnastics Team – Sectional Champions in 2022 and consistently made the All Conference Team
Words of Wisdom:
Whether you’re having the season of your life or your competitions aren’t quiet going according to plan, continue to practice and work hard because things always gets better!
Kaitlin Cutaneo
Xcel Diamond
Action Gymnastics
Coaches: Sara Provow & Jacqui Taylor
Home Town: Howell, NJ
Parent: Shannon Cutaneo
Kaitlin plans to attend Brookdale Community College
Gymnastics Achievements:
2018 IGC Silver UB State, Regional & World Champion
2018 IGC Silver 3rd AA Regional Champion
2018 IGC 3rd place BB World Champion
Words of Wisdom:
Follow your heart, work hard and take nothing for granted. Cherish the moments both good and bad. You will be a stronger person for it.
Taylor Dunn
Level 10
Eastern National Academy – Paramus
Coaches: Craig Zappa and Louis Levine
Home Town: East Fishkill, NJ
Parents: Kathleen and Nick
Taylor plans to attend college to major in Psychology
Gymnastics Achievements:
Eastern National AA Champion
2x National Qualifier
Multiple Regional and State Titles
Words of Wisdom:
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. —Dr. Seuss
Julia Eckhardt
Level 8
Rosettes
Coaches: Christina Lopez, Jackie Estrada & Sergio Estrada
Home Town: Madison, NJ
Parents: Marybeth Eckhardt & Steven Eckhardt
Julia plans to attend West Virginia University to major in Sports Management
Gymnastics Achievements:
2nd Place AA National Champion 2023
1st Place Vault National Champion 2023
Words of Wisdom:
Keep pushing yourself, especially the hard days. Hard work pays off, and you will thank yourself later.
Victoria Fitlin
Xcel Platinum
Action Gymnastics
Coach: Sara Phillips
Home Town: Marlboro, NJ
Parents: Susan and Ira Fitlin
Victoria plans to attend Emory University to major in Neuroscience
Academic Achievements:
Cum Laude
National Honor Society
Science National Honors Society
National English Honors Society
National History Day State Qualifier
Author
Words of Wisdom:
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence” – Vince Lombardi
Shade Grahling
Xcel Diamond
Madison Area YMCA Rosettes
Coaches: Christina Lopez, Jackie Morris-Estrada, Sergio Estrada & Amanda Zurawski
Home Town: Madison, NJ
Parents: Shade Cronan and Stephen Grahling
Shade plans to attend the University of Wisconsin
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
Finals at Nationals 2022 and 2023
Words of Wisdom:
Have fun and enjoy the time with your team! Don’t take things too seriously, just try your best and enjoy every moment.
Sophia Graziano
Level 10
Eastern National Academy – Paramus
Coaches: Craig Zappa and Lou Levine
Home Town: Paramus, NJ
Parents: Nicole and Vincent
Sophia plans to attend Villanova University
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
High Honor Roll
Gymnastics Achievements:
2023 Level 10 Regional Qualifier
2022 Level 9 Eastern National Qualifier
Captain and Co-founder of Paramus High School Gymnastics Team
1st Team All County
Words of Wisdom:
Believe you can do it and you’re halfway there.
Kelsey Greer
Level 8
Madison Area YMCA Rosettes
Coaches: Christina Lopez, Sergio Estrada & Jackie Morris-Estrada
Home Town: Madison, NJ
Parents: Marie-France Greer and Douglas Greer
Kelsey plans to attend the University of Miami to major in Business Analytics
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society (11, 12)
World Language Honor Society (11, 12)
Rochester Institute of Technology Art & Design Award (11)
Bronze Award National French Exam: Le Grand Concours (11)
AP Scholar with Distinction
Commended Student in the National Merit Scholarship Program
Nominated for the Presidential Scholars Program
Gymnastics Achievements:
Won 1st place Diamond team award at Starbound Invitational 2023
Won 1st place Diamond team award at Pink Invitational 2023
Won 3rd place Level 8 team award at YMCA Nationals 2022 and 3rd place Level 8 team award at YMCA Nationals 2023
Won individual 1st place All-Around at Pink Invitational 2023
Two-time YMCA National Level 8 Finalist
Won individual 3rd place All-Around at the 2023 YMCA National Championships
Senior Captain
Words of Wisdom:
Have fun! It’s not about the scores or the medals, because let’s face it, none of us are going to the Olympics. Gymnastics has taught me important life lessons such as work ethic, time management, perseverance, and much more, but it also gave me my best friends. Appreciate the time you have with your teammates and coaches, rather than worrying about the next meet.
Rylee Harada
Level 10
Cherry Hill Gymnastics Academy
Coaches: Nina Weller and Scott Weller
Home Town: Runnemede, NJ
Parents: Virginia Harada and Jaison Harada
Rylee plans to attend West Chester University to major in Exercise Science
Academic Achievements:
National Honors Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
2021 Level 9 National Qualifier
2019 Level 8 Regional Beam Champ
Words of Wisdom:
Life goes by so fast. Always be kind, have fun, and live life like no one else is watching.
Olivia Kelly
Level 10
North Stars Gymnastics
Coaches: Ashley Umberger, Faith Baranowski, Heather Moroz
Home Town: Bronx, NY
Parents: Tori and Toni Kelly
Olivia plans to attend the University of Missouri
Gymnastics Achievements:
2 time and first Bajan WAG to qualify for world Championships
First WAG gymnast to represent Barbados at PanAms
Holds the highest ranking at World Championships for Barbados
Words of Wisdom:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky / Michael Scott
Elle Kim
Xcel Sapphire
MAGMA Gymnastics
Coaches: John Min and Jenna Hamer
Home Town: Bridgewater, NJ
Parents: John and Judy Kim
Elle plans to attend the University of Washington to major in Business
Academic Achievements:
Honor Roll
National Honor Society
Latin Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
Level 9 State Bar Champion
Two-time Xcel Diamond Regional AA Champion
Xcel Diamond National AA Champion
Words of Wisdom:
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Addison Koziol
Xcel Diamond
Action Gymnastics
Coach: Sarah Provow
Home Town: Freehold, NJ
Parents: Travis and Lisa
Addison plans to attend college
Academic Achievements:
Ntional Honor Roll
Madelyn Lee
Xcel Diamond
Go of the Gold Gymnastics
Coach: Katie Phillips
Home Town: Livingston, NJ
Parents: Wilson and Ann Lee
Madelyn plans to attend the Emory University to major in Human Health
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
French National Honor Society (VP)
Chinese National Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
XCEL Platinum Vault State Champion
XCEL Platinum Vault Regional Champion
Words of Wisdom:
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Samantha Liu
Xcel Diamond
Madison Rosettes
Coaches: Christina Lopez and Jacky Morris-Estrada
Home Town: Livingston, NJ
Parents: Ellen Okamoto and Tom Liu
Samantha plans to attend California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo to major in Animal Science
Academic Achievements:
Cum Laude National Latin Exam
High Honor Roll
Gymnastics Achievements:
2023 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship
Xcel Diamond 3rd Place All-Around
2022 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship
Level 8 Finalist
2019 USAG NJ State Championship
Xcel Gold 1st place Vault
2019 NJ Sectional #2
Xcel Gold 1st Bars & 1st All-Around
Words of Wisdom:
Life is a marathon not a sprint and never try comparing yourself to others because everyone’s timeline looks different.
Emily Long
Xcel Sapphire
MAGMA
Coaches: John Min
Home Town: Warren, NJ
Parents: David & Maria
Emily plans to attend The University of Buffalo to major in Criminal Justice
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
State Champion
Tiffany Santa Lucia
Xcel Platinum
Gymnastics Inc
Coaches: Tracey Balcek, Aerial Knapp
Home Town: West Milford, NJ
Parents: Debi and Tom
Tiffany plans to attend The College of New Jersey to major in Special Education
Academic Achievements:
High Honor Roll Senior Year
Italian Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
1st Place Bars @ 2022 States Platinum
1st Place Bars and Vault @ 2022 Regionals Platinum
Words of Wisdom:
Always laugh at yourself, nothing is that serious.
Bianca Marchese-Petro
Xcel Diamond
Twisters Gymnastics
Coaches: Jen Newman & Lisa Newma
Home Town: Rockaway, NJ
Parents: Katee and Mike Petro
Bianca plans to attend Kutztown University to major in Psychology
Academic Achievements:
Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
Won beam at Nationals and Regionals in 2022
Committed to Kutztown University for Acrobatics and Tumbling
Words of Wisdom:
It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it.
Sasha Marcinczyk
Level 10
Head Over Heels Gymnastics
Coaches: Toni Borden and Matt Deibert
Home Town: East Brunswick, NJ
Parents: Gail and Lonny Marcinczyk
Sasha plans to attend college to major in Exercise Science
Academic Achievements:
Honor Roll Sophomore – Senior Years
Gymnastics Achievements:
High School:
2021 GMC Team Champions
2021 NJSIAA State Champions
2023 GMC All Around Champion
2023 All State First Team
USAG:
Level 8,9,10 State and Regional Qualifier
2021 Level 9 NJ State: 1st Bars
2022 Level 9 NJ Regionals: 2nd Bars 3rd Beam
2023 Level 10 NJ State: 2nd Beam
Words of Wisdom:
You have to trust the time you put into your training because you can never get that time back.
Natalie Marlow
Xcel Diamond
Madison Area YMCA Rosettes
Coaches: Jackie Morris-Estrada, Sergio Estrada, & Christina Lopez
Home Town: Lebanon, NJ
Parents: David Marlow & Michelle Marlow
Natalie plans to attend The University of Scranton or The University of New Hampshire to major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Academic Achievements:
2022 Sacred HEART Academy Science Award for highest GPA in Biology.
Gymnastics Achievements:
2023 Irons Award MVP (high school team)
Words of Wisdom:
Have fun, enjoy this time before it’s gone, and make your younger self proud.
Fatima Morales
Xcel
Somerset Vally Gymnastics
Coaches: Rachel Covert, Laura Ambrosio & Amy Krueger
Home Town: Manville, NJ
Parents: Claudia Lacan & Ruben Morales
Fatima plans to attend Ramapo College of New Jersey to major in Nursing
Academic Achievements:
Nationals Honors Society
Spanish Honors Society
Tri-M Music Honors Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
Rutgers Classics Gymnastics 1st AA Champion
2022 Nationals 1st Beam
2023 Diamond AA 2 Spartan Trophy
Words of Wisdom:
The great adventures are the ones that take us on an exciting journey within ourselves.
Your Stronger then you think both Physically and Mentally 🙂
Ava Myers
Level 10
US Gymnastics Development Center II
Coaches: Eric Cali and & Bec Ribeiro
Home Town: Cedar Grove, NJ
Parents: Denise and Carlton Myers
Ava plans to attend North Carolina University to major in Criminology
Academic Achievements:
Member of the National Honor Society
Member of the Spanish National Honor Society
Member of the the Math National Honor Society
Member of the Science National Honor Society
GPA: 4.5
Gymnastics Achievements:
2022 Bars State Champion
2022 Regional Qualifier
2022 National Wildcard Session qualifier(bars)
2023 Regional & National qualifier
Words of Wisdom:
It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters where you finish.
Chiara Oshiro
Level 10
Arena Gymnastics
Coaches: Ann & Valdi Kolasa, Candy & Mike Krotchko
Home Town: Lawrenceville, NJ
Parents: Anna Goco and Reid Oshiro
Chiara plans to attend college to major in Biology and Public Health/Policy
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
National Merit Commended Student
Gymnastics Achievements:
Level 10 Regional Qualifier
Words of Wisdom:
“If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart”- The Buddha
Ava Parziale
Level 10
Go of the Gold Gymnastics
Coaches: Anne Meade and Ivan Taskov
Home Town: Parsippany, NJ
Parents: Maria and Phil Parziale
Ava plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in Athletic Training
Academic Achievements:
National Italian Honor Society Member
Received the Roxbury Scholar Award 3 years in a row
Gymnastics Achievements:
5th AA at Level 9 Easterns
1st AA at Level 8 Regionals
Words of Wisdom:
Don’t do something until you get it right, do it until you can’t get it wrong.
Kelly Quinn
Xcel Platinum
Ignite Gymnastics
Coach: Rob Chacon
Home Town: Barnegat, NJ
Parents: Taraneh and Ed
Kelly plans to attend Ocean County Community College
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
Social Studies Honor Society
High Honor Roll all 4 marking periods
Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
Gymnastics Achievements:
Jamie Stymiest Award
2nd Place FX at Star Struck Invitational
Regional Qualifier.
Alexandria Rivera-Bonano
Xcel Diamond
Premier Gymnastics
Coach: Jim
Home Town: Bayonne, NJ
Parents: Daniella & Norman
Alexandria plans to attend Pennsylvania State University to major in Psychology
Academic Achievements:
Honors Student throughout all years of high school
National Honor Society
Spanish Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
2023 Region 7 Xcel Diamond AA Champion
2023 Xcel National Championship Top 5
Words of Wisdom:
It starts with trusting yourself, even if people are telling you you’re too young to trust yourself.
Olivia Robins
Level 10
Aeon Fitness and Gymnastics
Coaches: Roberta Monari and Yury Timofeev
Home Town: Glen Rock, NJ
Parents: Thomas and Allison Robins
Olivia plans to attend Quinnipiac University to major in Nursing
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
2022 Level 9 Eastern Qualifier
Ella Rohdieck
Xcel Sapphire
Eastern National Academy
Coaches: Sue Drelich and John Wojtczuk
Home Town: Paramus, NJ
Parents: Kristen and Mike
Ella plans to attend Saint Anselm College to major in Nursing
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
High Honor Roll
Gymnastics Achievements:
2022 NJ Xcel Diamond State Meet: 2nd Place All Around, 1st Place Floor (current NJ State record holder), 2nd Place Beam
2023 NJ Xcel Diamond State Meet: 1st Place Beam
2023 Region 7 Xcel Diamond Competition: 3rd Place All Around, 2nd Place Bars
Words of Wisdom:
Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest places if you look at it right.
– Grateful Dead
Alexis Roth
Level 9
LaGymnastique
Coaches: Mark and Am Henderson, Beth Campbell
Home Town: Edison, NJ
Parents: Marc and Mary Roth
Alexis plans to attend Clemson University to major in Occupational Therapy/Psychology
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
Spanish National Honor Society
First Honors
Gymnastics Achievements:
4-Time Regional Qualifier
Eastern National Qualifier
Words of Wisdom:
Take the risk or lose the chance.
Jamarie Saravia
Level 10
Spartan Gymnastics
Coaches: Diane Farrel and Amanda Martinez
Home Town: Freehold, NJ
Parents: Sara and Geraldo Saravia
Jamarie plans to attendSUNY Brockport College to major in Criminal Justice
Words of Wisdom:
A champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fall.
Zoe Scheible
Xcel Diamond
Northern Elite Gymnastics and Cheer
Coaches: Kim Forrest, Elizabeth Vespucci, Mary Kate Cacchione & Kaylen Summer
Home Town: Andover, NJ
Parents: Bob and Suzanne Scheible
Zoe plans to attend James Madison University to major in Nursing
Gymnastics Achievements:
2021 State Champion: Level 6 (UB), (FX)
2022 State Champion: Level 6 (VT), (AA)
2023 State Champion: Xcel Diamond (BB), (FX), (AA)
Words of Wisdom:
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Suess
Reagan Schenkel
Level 10
Arena Gymnastics
Coaches: Ann & Valdi Kolasa, Candy & Mike Krotchko
Home Town: Flemington, NJ
Parents: Stephan & Donna Schenkel
Reagan plans to attend Rutgers University to major in Exercise Science
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society (11,12)
National Technical Honor Society (11,12)
Science National Honor Society (12)
Gymnastics Achievements:
2022/2023 Level 10 Regional Qualifier
1st Place Bars Excalibur Cup 2024
1st Place Bars Greater New York Invitational 2023
Words of Wisdom:
You’ll have bad times but they’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.
Lillian Schick
Level 9
Cherry Hill Gymnastics Academy
Coaches: Nina Weller and Scott Weller
Home Town: Lumberton, NJ
Parents: John Schick and Karen Schick
Lillian plans to attend college to major in Biomedical Engineering
Academic Achievements:
Outstanding Academic Achievement by the Burlington County Principals and Supervisors Association (2022 & 2023)
Student of Distinction
Members of Overall, Math, Spanish, Science, and English Honor Societies
Gymnastics Achievements:
2023 Level 9 Regional Qualifier (4th vault, 6th floor)
2022 Level 8 Regional Qualifier (3rd beam, 4th vault, 6th floor, 5th AA)
2021 Level 8 Regional Qualifier (3rd beam, 5th floor, 8th vault)
2019 Level 6 State Beam Champion
Words of Wisdom:
“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on it’s own wings. Always believe in yourself” – unknown
Samantha Seidman
Xcel Sapphire
Eastern National Academy
Coaches: Sue Drelich and John Wojtczuk
Home Town: Ridgewood, NJ
Parents: Lori and Aron
Samantha plans to attend college to major in Nutrition & Medical Sciences, with minor in Exercise Science
Academic Achievements:
High Honor Roll
Selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Medicine, an Envision by WorldStrides Program
Gymnastics Achievements:
2021 NJ Xcel Diamond State Meet – AA Champion, 1st Place Bars, 1st Place Beam, 2nd Place Floor
2023 Xcel Diamond State Meet – 3rd Place Bars
2023 Region 7 Xcel Diamond Championships – 1st Place Floor, 2nd Place Vault
2022 & 2023 – BCWCA All County First Team for Gymnastics – All Around Award
2023 & 2024 – Nominated Gymnast of the Year by NorthJersey.com
Words of Wisdom:
Cherish every moment you get with your team, as they make this sport a home away from home.
Julia Seminaro
Xcel Platinum
Gymnastics Unlimited
Coaches: Barb and Zoey
Home Town: Flemington, NJ
Parents: Bob and Kim
Julia plans to attend college
Sofia Sherry
Level 10
Eastern National Academy – Paramus
Coaches: Craig Zappa and Lou Levine
Home Town: Nyack, NJ
Parents: Maria and Peter Sherry
Sofia plans to attend college
Academic Achievements:
4 Years Academic Honor Roll
Gymnastics Achievements:
2023-3rd AA Eastern Nationals
2023-AA Level 9 Regional Champion
Words of Wisdom:
Reset, Refocus, Readjust, Restart – as many times as you need to. Just never give up. (unknown)
Stella Sherry
Level 10
Eastern National Academy – Paramus
Coaches: Craig Zappa and Lou Levine
Home Town: Nyack, NJ
Parents: Maria and Peter Sherry
Stella plans to attend college to major in Nursing
Academic Achievements:
4 Years Academic Honor Roll
Gymnastics Achievements:
2022 – Eastern National Vault/AA Champion
2022 – Level 9 Regionals Vault/AA Champion
Words of Wisdom:
Eventually, all the pieces fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason.
-Albert Schweitzer
Jessica Schmitz
Level 10
North Stars Gymnastics Academy
Coach: Ashley Umberger, Heather Morez, Faith Baranowski & Melissa Jones
Home Town: Wayne, NJ
Parents: Kelly and Bryan Schmitz
Jessica plans to attend the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse to major in Exercise Science & Pre- Physical Therapy
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society
High Honor Roll
Scholar Athlete
Gymnastics Achievements:
Level 9 Eastern Qualifier 2022
Level 10 National Qualifier 2023
Competing in college for UWL
Words of Wisdom:
Everything happens for a reason, trust the process. Everyone one’s journey is different.
Morgan Summer
Xcek Sapphire
Northern Elite Gymnastics and Cheer
Coaches: Kim Forrest, Elizabeth Vespucci, Mary Kate Cacchione & Kaylen Summer
Home Town: Flanders, NJ
Parents: Todd and Alyssa Summer
Morgan plans to attend Monmouth University
Gymnastics Achievements:
2023 State record holder for Xcel Saphire: Bars and Vault
Regional State Qualifier USAG Level’s 8, 9 and 10
Words of Wisdom:
There is one good thing about being a tall gymnast –
your parents will always be able to find you at a meet.
Danica Svendsen
Xcel Diamond
Gymnastics Unlimited
Coaches: Zoey and Barb
Home Town: Flemington, NJ
Parents: Terri & Eric Svendsen
Danica plans to attend Florida Atlantic University to major in Business
Academic Achievements:
Principal honor roll
Honor Roll Student (all 4 years)
Gymnastics Achievements:
Hunterdon Central HS Varsity Gymnast and Captain Awarded the Varsity Club Award
Words of Wisdom:
If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
Vanessa Swistock
Xcel Sapphire
Rock Gymnastics
Coaches: Melissa Hayes and Amber Rembish
Home Town: Bayville, NJ
Parents: Lisa and Keith Swistock
Vanessa plans to attend Saint Leo University to major in Nursing and competed in Acrobatics and Tumbling
Academic Achievements:
4 Year High Honor
Gymnastics Achievements:
2023 Floor State Champion
Words of Wisdom:
Good things come to those who wait.
Sanjana Thayl
Level 10
Paramount Gymnastics
Coaches: Coach Molli and Coach Melissa
Home Town: Bridgewater, NJ
Parents: Ram Thayi and Sreekala Thayi
Sanjana plans to attend New York University to major in Biology
Academic Achievements:
Member of the National Honor Society
Gymnastics Achievements:
Level 9 State and Regional Qualifier
Words of Wisdom:
Be a team player and always be supportive of your coaches and teammates.
Lindsay Thompson
Xcel Sapphire
Flippin Out Gymnastics – Pompton Plains
Coach: Dani Lobosco
Home Town: Oakland, NJ
Parents: Laura and Steve
Lindsay plans to attend Quinnipiac University to major in Health Science Studies/ Physical Therapy
Academic Achievements:
World Language National Honor Society- Spanish
High Honor Roll
Superintendent’s List
Gymnastics Achievements:
Co-Captain Indian Hills High School Gymnastics Team- 2022-23 & 2023-24
First Team All County
First Team All League
North Jersey High School Sports Award nominee and finalist -2021-22 & 2023-24
Words of Wisdom:
If you are not having fun, it’s not worth doing.
Alana Walker
Level 10
North Stars Gymnastics Academy
Coach: Ashley Umberger
Home Town: West Orange, NJ
Parents: Andrew and Yeshima Walker
Alana plans to attend Stanford University
Gymnastics Achievements:
2021 Junior Pan American Championships Bronze Medalist
2021 Level 10 National AA Champion
Regional AA Champion – 2022, 2021
Regional Event Champion – 2022 (FX, VT), 2021 (BB, FX) and 2019 (VT)
Words of Wisdom:
“An injury is not just a process of recovery, it is a process of discovery”
– Connor McGregor
Taylor Wallace
Level 9
Go of the Gold Gymnastics
Coaches: Anne Meade and Ivan Taskov
Home Town: Rockaway, NJ
Parent: Sophia Lunan
Taylor plans to attend Duquense University to major in Business Management and Marketing
Academic Achievements:
National Honor Society Member
National English Honor Society Member
St. Genesius Art Scholarship Recipient
-College Board African American Scholar
3rd Place in NJ-11 Congressional Art Competition
Gymnastics Achievements:
5x NJ Vault State Champion
Level 8 2023 Regional Vault Champion
Committed to Duquesne University for Acrobatics and Tumbling
Words of Wisdom:
“if you change the way you look at things, then the things you look at will change.” – Wayne Dyer
Charlotte Zaun
Level 10
Go of the Gold Gymnastics
Coaches: Anne Meade and Ivan Taskov
Home Town: Bernardsville, NJ
Parents: Chrissy and Jeff
Charlotte plans to attend Yale University to major in Biology or Cognitive Science
Academic Achievements:
Honor Roll 2020-2024
National Honor Society Member
Gymnastics Achievements:
Level 9 Regional Bar Champion and Eastern National Beam Champion
Level 10 State and Regional Qualifier
Words of Wisdom:
Enjoy all of the small moments, they make the journey memorable.
Michelle Ziff
Xcel Gold
US Gym Mahwah
Coaches: Zulieta and Sinisa Smoljan, Dena Sweeney, and Joel Thomas
Home Town: Ramsey, NJ
Parents: Robert and Bonnie Ziff
Michelle plans to attend Ramapo College to major in Elementary Special Education
Academic Achievements:
Honor Roll 2017-2024
Gymnastics Achievements:
Qualified to States and Regionals in 2023
10th on Vault at Regionals 2023
Qualified to States in 2024
1st Place Bars at Cupids Classic
Words of Wisdom:
Take advantage of the hard times trying to successfully get your numbers in for routines and the hard conditioning days because, in the end, it will make you stronger physically and mentally.