Local boy receives award

Mountain Avenue Elementary School student Garrett Waltzer recently received the prestigious Tae Kwon Do — Honor Student Award from the USA Martial Arts School.

Garrett started Tae Kwon Do classes when he was 5 years old.

Now 10 years old, he earned a second degree black belt in the Korean-style of martial arts. During those five years of training, Garrett has learned self discipline, leadership skills and confidence. He has attended over 10 martial arts tournaments and has won several gold medals in the Olympic-style sparring matches. Garrett aspires to be a Tae Kwon Do instructor.

Though always large for his age, in the last year Garrett lost 45 pounds by making wise food choices and giving 100% during his martial arts classes. He is a straight “A” fourth grade student.