Watkinson private high school sophomore Elijah H. ’22 has been awarded the USA Gymnastics Academic All-American Recognition award this year. Robert Cowan, former USA Gymnastics Men’s Program Director, established the award in 1986 to encourage a high level of academic achievement in young athletes in addition to their athletic achievements. The award honors athletes’ development of values, morals, and social skills.
The recognition has become a prized acknowledgment for these athletes, and a list of the recipients is also provided to the collegiate coaches to utilize for recruiting purposes.
“The Junior Olympic athletes in the men’s program are tasked with training and competing, while also managing class work and attendance,” said Lisa Mendel, Men’s Program Manager. “It amazes me how much these student-athletes accomplish not only in the classroom and the gym but also in what they do to give back to their community. These truly are amazing individuals.”
In order to be eligible for the USA Gymnastics Academic All-American Recognition award, athletes must be current USA Gymnastics student-athlete in grades 9-12 with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete an online application.
