Congratulations to Olivia Simone Jew, this year’s female recipient of the 2010 United States Amateur Athletic Union Taekwondo Youth Leadership Award. Meet Olivia Simone Jew, an accomplished Third Degree Black Belt Taekwondo athlete, official, & instructor. Some of her interests besides Taekwondo include Dance, Piano, Journalism, & Student Council. Olivia’s competition record was extraordinary having participated and won numerous local, state and multiple national events. Besides being a seven time AAU National Champion, she has won awards in both NASKA and Gold Cup Open tournaments. Some of her highlights in her career include training at the Kukkiwon and competing in an international competition in Seoul, Korea. An instructor since the age of twelve, Olivia has shown great leadership inside and outside of her school. Olivia has distinguished herself to boast straight A’s throughout school including many AP & honors classes. In addition to schoolwork, she has received recognition as an exemplary youth volunteer from her work at a hospital.
Congratulations to Alexander Yow, this year’s male recipient of the 2010 United States Amateur Athletic Union Taekwondo Youth Leadership Award. Meet Alexander Yow, an accomplished third degree black belt with over thirteen years of Taekwondo experience. Some of his interests besides Taekwondo are being involved with the Asian Culture Club, Club United, Church’s Youth Group, & helping with local stage performances. Alexander’s competition record is nothing short of outstanding competing in numerous local, regional, national & international events! Some of his career highlights are receiving the 2010 USA Taekwondo All American Athlete Award and earning a Gold Medal at the 2010 Junior World Championships in Colorado Springs, CO. Born with a “never give up” attitude enables Alex to balance training in Chicago; which happens to be a six hour drive from his house and still maintain a 4.0 weighted GPA for the last three years. He takes multiple honors and AP classes and also participates in his church’s youth club and travels with the church on many missions. In addition to volunteering at the local youth center he also volunteers many hours tutoring his friends.