by Morgan Radwick, staff writer

Two of Saegertown’s talented students, Renee Allen and Mykenzie Connally, competed in a Tae Kwon Do tournament on Saturday, May 19 at Northwestern High School. Both took away multiple awards from the tournament, with Allen winning two first places in self defense and kata, two second places in fighting and weapon kata, and Connally winning two first places in fighting and weapon, and two second places in kata and self defense.

Allen and Connally both participate in Tae Kwon Do classes at Humes Martial Arts in Waterford. Classes are held twice a week in preparation for the competitive tournaments. As for the experience, both say it is very positive. “It’s given me discipline and acting skills.” Connally said.

Despite all the stress the day of the tournaments, the participants still have fun no matter what; but when they win first place, the day gets even better. “It feels like a bunch of butterflies leave your stomach when you win first place because its like all your hard work paid off,” Allen said.