Gymnaires PNW+MN trip

It’s a long trip from Lincoln, Nebraska to the Pacific Northwest by bus. Instead of going home for spring break, the Gymnaires were packed and ready to start their tour to the Adventist high schools of Oregon and Washington. Bus trouble tried to keep them from reaching their destination, and they had to take a small detour in Salt Lake City, Utah to repair some mechanical problems. What was supposed to be a 27 hour drive turned into 38 hours. But this didn’t stop the group. They arrived early Monday morning to Milo Adventist Academy, ready to showcase their skills, make connections with the students, and finally shower after spending two days in the bus. 

In the span of five days, the Gymanires visited five schools: Milo Adventist Academy, Portland Adventist Academy, Columbia Adventist Academy, Upper Columbia Adventist Academy, and Mount Ellis Academy. Each performance began with an introduction of the team, continued into individual routines, and ended with the routine they performed at AcroFest. Because of the tight schedule, the group had to be intentional with the time they spent with the students. They did this by making sure that after each performance they allowed the students to join them on the mats to try some of the moves (such as elevators, two highs, and tumbling) that they saw from the Gymanires during the performance. With schools such as Upper Columbia Adventist Academy who has a gymnastics program, the Gymnaires were able help them master skills such as the butterfly and three high. 

Alex King, a junior computer science and math major from Tennessee, expressed how much he loves going on tour and performing for schools around the states. “I enjoy interacting with the students in both formal and informal clinics and being able to teach them things that they have never tried before. It’s fun watching them learn and try out new skills.” 

After safely arriving back from the PNW trip, the Gymnaires began preparing for their final tour over the last weekend of March. This trip took them to Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, MN. Alex King remembered this performance as one of their best of the year. The Gymnaires were able to spend a little bit more time with the Maplewood kids and led out in vespers and Sabbath school. 

Now, the Gymnaires are prepping for their Homeshow Performance. Make sure to mark your calendars for April 12 at 9pm and come by the Reiner Wellness Center and see what their dedication throughout the year has built up to! 

By: Sami Hoffer