The Deer Park School District recognized Deer Park High School junior Kayla Tyson at the Nov. 26 Board of Education meeting for winning a gold medal at the 2024 Taekwondo Dracula Open, held Oct. 27-28 in Bucharest, Romania. A second-degree black belt Tyson has been studying taekwondo since age 3 and was ranked No. 2 in the  nation. Prior to a recent injury, she had been scheduled to travel to Portland, Oregon in January to compete for a spot on the 2025 U.S. National Team.

“For those of you who don’t know anything about martial arts, the dedication that it takes to get to this level is something that I’m not sure you can really wrap your head around unless you’ve been part of it,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “What martial arts does is that it teaches you lessons about discipline, perseverance and overcoming fear.”

“She has achieved so much in her young life,” Board President Donna Marie Elliott said. “We are so proud of you, Kayla.”

“Kayla represents the very best of the best,” said Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, who was on hand to congratulate Tyson. “I think it’s a testament to her family, to her and also a testament to our community that we raise such wonderful kids.”

Also in attendance was Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, who presented Tyson with a proclamation, and revealed that Nov. 26, 2024 had been declared as Kayla Tyson Day in the Town of Babylon.

Date Added: 12/12/2024