Winning gymnast aims to help others learn

The Tenney School eighth-grader Kirby Rathjen is a level-10 gymnast with her sights set competing on a college team.

Kirby Rathjen, an eighth-grader at The Tenney School, is a competitive gymnast. She said it has been a challenge for her to endure both the physical and mental stresses of competing vigorously, but she strives to achieve in every way. In addition to her athletic goals, Kirby would like to travel to Africa to help improve the education available there.

SCHOOL: The Tenney School

NAME: Kirby Rathjen

AGE: 14

GRADE: 8

ACCOMPLISHMENT: A level-10 gymnast who has qualified to compete in the national championship, placed third in the all-around at the regional gymnastics competition, won the championship at the State Floor Competition

FAVORITE CLASS: "Math because it is a very abstract subject, and I like the challenge."

FAVORITE BOOK: "The Hunger Games" by Susan Collins

FAVORITE WEBSITE: "I do not really surf the Web, but I love to go online shopping."

FAVORITE MUSICAL GENRE: "I enjoy listening to all types of music."

FAVORITE TV SHOW: "American Idol"

FAVORITE MOVIE: "'50 First Dates' because I love the actors and the storyline."

AMBITION: "I would really like to go to college and do gymnastics because I love to be part of a team." Kirby added that in the future she plans to continue competing and hopes that one day she will be able to go to Africa so she can help the educational system.