McKENA HARLEN -- SEPTEMBER 2015 STUDENT OF THE MONTH
On Saturday,
October 3, at its most recent Graduation ceremony held at Wyoming Area Catholic
School, Barnes Martial Arts announced McKena Harlen as Student of the Month for
September. She was also promoted to Advanced Gold Belt at the same ceremony.
McKena, age 5 ½, is a member of the Little Dragons program, a specialized course for children ages 4-7.
A Kindergarten student at Dana Street Elementary school in Forty Fort, she says her favorite subject is “the ABCs”.
McKena, age 5 ½, is a member of the Little Dragons program, a specialized course for children ages 4-7.
A Kindergarten student at Dana Street Elementary school in Forty Fort, she says her favorite subject is “the ABCs”.
In
addition to Martial Arts, McKena lists soccer and hanging out with her friends
as other interests.
McKena is a resident of Swoyersville, PA where she lives with her mother, Lorissa Senczakowicz and her step-father, Bill Thompson. Her father, Ryan Harlen is equally proud of her achieving the award and earning her promotion.
McKena initially began training in Martial Arts after experiencing bullying in school. “I don’t like people bullying me”, she said.
McKena is a resident of Swoyersville, PA where she lives with her mother, Lorissa Senczakowicz and her step-father, Bill Thompson. Her father, Ryan Harlen is equally proud of her achieving the award and earning her promotion.
McKena initially began training in Martial Arts after experiencing bullying in school. “I don’t like people bullying me”, she said.
According to Master Gary R. Barnes, “McKena is a terrific student. She very quickly showed an aptitude for the physical part of the Art, but more importantly she has such a positive attitude and a bright, engaging personality. She is very curious, and very astute; she asks questions and really has a pretty deep insight for one so young. Talking to her before or after class is one of the highlights of my day. We chose McKena as Student of the Month for her consistent attendance, her dedication and her positive attitude.”
Students
of the Month are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including: class
participation, discipline, attitude, technique, personal conduct and how well
they exemplify the Martial Arts in ALL areas of their lives, in and out of the
studio.
Asked what is her favorite Martial Arts technique, McKena quickly and enthusiastically answered, “Ground fighting”
Asked what is her favorite Martial Arts technique, McKena quickly and enthusiastically answered, “Ground fighting”
When asked
if she had any advice for others who might be considering Martial Arts training,
McKena responded, “You learn techniques
to be safe; if you want to be safe you should take Martial Arts.”
