Some students walk through the doors of a dojo and become part of your family. Rebecca is one of those students.
We met Rebecca 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 who's heading off to Delaware State University.
Along the way, she found her strength on the mat, competed as a Young Patriot, and earned the title of National Champion. As she got older, Rebecca became a true multi-sport athlete, competing in basketball, volleyball, track, and weightlifting. Her hard work and dedication earned her the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame Prep Athlete of the Year award. Even while juggling athletics, academics, and everything else that comes with growing up, she never forgot where she started. Whenever she had a break from school, she'd find her way back to the dojo. It always felt like she was coming home.
Now Rebecca is beginning an exciting new chapter, while her younger sister, Maya, continues her own journey at MEKA. We can't wait to see what the future holds for both of them.
But this story isn't just about Rebecca and Maya.
Behind every young person who succeeds are people who never stop showing up. For Rebecca and Maya, that's always been their parents, Ann and Lonnie.
As high school coaches, Lonnie on the basketball court and Ann on the track have spent years pouring into kids, not just their own. We've seen it firsthand. During the pandemic, they met us at the park to train and play basketball with our son, Lukas. When Rebecca and Maya had karate events, they were there. And when MEKA needed a place to host our state and national championships, they opened the doors of their high school, stayed late, and helped us set up and clean up without ever being asked.
They didn't have to do any of that. They simply chose to.
Ann and Lonnie earned their titles as coaches long ago. But we think they've earned something even greater. A black belt in life isn't measured by what you can do on the mat. It's measured by your character, your willingness to serve others, and the example you set every day. That's exactly who they are.
Rebecca, we're incredibly proud of everything you've accomplished, and we can't wait to see where life takes you next.
Maya, we're proud of you too, and we're excited to watch your own journey continue.
Ann and Lonnie, thank you for the example you've set and for everything you've done for your family, your students, and the MEKA community.
Once a MEKA Eagle, always a MEKA Eagle.
Rebecca, go fly.
Maya, keep soaring.
