CONGRATULATIONS TO SARAH KUPER from PREMIER WEST GYMNASTICS
ACADEMY, OUR 2021 ERNA WACHTEL ATHLETE AWARD WINNER!!
Sarah was a Level 10 gymnast, winning many State, Regional, and National
titles, and will be attending William and Mary College, as well as competing for
that Div. 1 team next year! Sarah attended Neuqua Valley H.S. where she was in
Peer Partners helping students with disabilities, Spanish Honor Society, Special
Spaces, and Best Buddies (working with Special Needs students). Sarah hopes
to pursue a career in medicine, and after college, her biggest goal is “to change
the lives of others.”
Sarah is coached by Diane O’Brien, who knew Erna as a coach from training at
Engstroms and also going to Lake Shore where Erna coached, and of course, also
knew her as a judge. The Erna Wachtel Athlete Award Committee is proud to
have Sarah carry on Erna’s legacy!
We would also like to acknowledge the other amazing nominees for the Erna
Wachtel Athlete Award:
- Gigi Singh from Phenom
- Sarah Wozniak from Legacy Elite Gymnastics
- Katie Osborne from C.I.T.Y. Club Gymnastics
- Maia Palomar, Chicago Park District
- Karrington Lacy from Ultimate Gymnastics and Activities
ALL OF THESE YOUNG LADIES HAD VERY IMPRESSIVE LETTERS OF
RECOMMENDATION AND HAVE ACCOMPLISHED A VERY HIGH LEVEL OF NOT
ONLY GYMNASTICS, BUT IN ACADEMICS AS WELL! WE THANK ALL OF YOU FOR
APPLYING AS WELL AS YOUR COACHES FOR NOMINATING YOU! WE WISH ALL
OF YOU MUCH SUCCESS IN YOUR EDUCATION AND YOUR FUTURE!!
Sincerely,
Betty Axelson-McClelland, Comm. Chair, Norbert Bendixen, Jeanne Johnson,
and Sandra Oldham