Congratulations to Sydney Brooks for being selected for this year's West Virginia Student-of-the Year. Sydney is a 1st Degree Brown Belt in the Mountaineer Karate Club. She is one of the most respectful, hard-working, and dedicated students in our organization. She is so dedicated that she even attended class even though she had a broken ankle and couldn't work out. She still participated as much as she could with observation, discussion, and instructing other students when needed. Sydney has been with us for over 9 years and has continued to improve in her martial arts. She is always willing to help and shows her appreciation for any instruction or correction given to her.

Sydney enjoys competing in local karate tournaments in sparring, weapons, and open hand katas. Sydney especially loves, and excels, at point sparring…anyone, anytime, any place.

Sydney is a Sophomore at Lincoln High School in Shinnston, West Virginia. When she is not doing karate, she enjoys playing soccer, reading, sewing, being outside, spending time with her family, and taking care of her animals.

We are so very proud of Sydney with her diligence, willingness to help, and eagerness to learn. We are very fortunate to have her in our club. Thank you, Sydney, for all your hard work…Congratulations!

Jude & Sandra Gore / Mountaineer Karate Club

Most of you have heard of our Student-of-the-Year, Nicole Austin, but few know why she was so deserving of this honor.

Nicole was a healthy, qualified brown belt looking forward to testing for her Black Belt at summer camp in 2018. She was active in the tournament circuit and took first place every time she competed. She was a force to be reckoned with and encompassed everything a Black Belt should be.

A week before Thanksgiving of 2017, the unimaginable happened. Nicole contracted spinal meningitis and within days she was in a coma. Over the next five weeks, the infection ravaged her body and brain. Nicole was left fighting for her life.

Right before Christmas, she was showing signs of wakefulness. It was a slow process. She was in and out of consciousness most of the next month and showed little interaction. January 2018 brought some reassuring news as she was starting to keep her eyes open. Her fighting spirit was paying off.

By Valentine's Day 2018 she was fully awake and responsive. Unfortunately, she was left with severe damage from the infection. She was paralyzed on her right side, had memory loss, was unable to hear or taste and had auditory issues. Upon my visit, she had little resemblance to the young woman a few months prior. But in true Nicole form, she smiled as I walked in. My friend was back.

During the next three months, she endured multiple types of therapy, often painful. Even though she was frustrated with her progress and prognosis, she never complained. She was not willing to accept anything less than what she once was and asked if she could return to karate class.

By May 2018, Nicole was back in the Dojo. Her brown belt was now a way to support her vertically while she tried to walk and was used as a tool for relearning balance. She stumbled but never quit. She was tenacious!

Week by week, month by month, that brown belt reverted to its original purpose. The progress was amazing to watch with visible improvements every week. She was exceeding all expectations.

Twenty-two months later I am thrilled to report that Nicole has surpassed her doctor's prognosis. Her memory has returned, walks without issue and she is back to teaching grade ranks. Her muscle memory is firing, she is implementing mat work techniques, and performing the Kata she competed with before her illness. Those that have not met Nicole, would be hard-pressed to notice any residual issues. She is a true inspiration showing insistence, humility, and strength. Nicole's love for karate helped to restore her body and continuously feed her spirit.

Admittedly, she has not reached her personal goal. She attends every class and works harder than ever before. Nicole is a shining example of what being a true martial artist is and Student-of-The-Year was a small way to recognize that. I am proud to have her in class and even prouder to call her my friend.

Rhonda Bailey 2nd Dan AKS / Shores Community Karate Class