Black Belts in Life

Some students walk through the doors of a dojo and become part of your family. Rebecca is one of those students.

We first met her when she was just a kindergartener. Somehow, in what feels like the blink of an eye, that little girl has grown into a confident young woman heading off to Delaware State University. Along the way she found her strength on the mat, competing as a Young Patriot and earning the title of National Champion. High school got busy with academics and basketball, but Rebecca never forgot where she started. Whenever she had a free holiday, she found a way back to the dojo. She came home.

But this story is about more than Rebecca. Behind every young person who succeeds are people who never stop showing up, and for Rebecca that has always meant her parents, Ann and Lonnie Neil.

As high school basketball and track coaches, Ann and Lonnie have spent years investing in kids who are not even their own. We have seen it firsthand. During the pandemic they met us at the park to train and play basketball with our son Lukas. When Rebecca had a karate event, they were there. And when MEKA needed a place to hold our state and national championships, they opened the doors of their high school to us, stayed after hours, and helped us set up and clean up without being asked.

They did not have to do any of that. They chose to.

Ann and Lonnie may have earned their titles in coaching, but we think they have earned something greater. A black belt in life is not about what you can do on the mat. It is discipline, service, and character, and using what you have learned to make a difference for others. That is exactly what they have done.

Rebecca, we are so proud of you. Ann and Lonnie, we are grateful for you.

Once a MEKA Eagle, always a MEKA Eagle. Go fly, Rebecca.