McKena Harlen -- SEPTEMBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH

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”.

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.

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”

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.”

Anna Weiss ... October Student of the Month

On Friday, November 5, 2014 we chose Anna Weiss age 6, as Student of the Month for October. She has been a member of the Little Dragons program since just after the school opened in September of 2013.

Anna, who lives in Forty Fort with her parents, Erin and Michael Weiss, attends school at Wyoming Area Catholic. Her favorite subject is math and her favorite teacher is Mrs. Ungureit (Mrs. U.) She lists her other interests as music (especially her favorite song, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas") soccer, drawing and ... eating noodles!

Anna currently holds the rank of Orange Belt, First Stripe, and her favorite Martial arts technique is the ax kick.  

Anna is a wonderful girl and a terrific student. She is focused, very friendly and gives 100% effort in class. She has a great attitude and sense of humor. In terms of technique, she has really come along in just a few short months; she has shown a lot of improvement and dedication. Anna likes a challenge and she is willing to try new things in class. For instance, we do push-ups with the kids throughout the class -- Anna came in one day and demonstrated one-armed push-ups!! She is really determined to be and do the very best that she can."

Mike and Erin Weiss say, "We are very proud of our daughter and the great strides she has made. In her year at the studio she has become more confident, self-disciplined and more aware of others and their feelings all while having fun! We couldn't ask for more!"

Students of the Month are selected based on a variety of criteria, including: class participation, discipline, enthusiasm, listening skills, technique, attitude, behavior and how well they exemplify "Black Belt Excellence and Attitude" in ALL areas of their lives, in and out of the studio.  

Students of the Month receive a special patch for their uniform and a 3-D Certificate, suitable for framing.