By Anna Skinner
Kalvin Kingshill recently competed in the USA Gymnastics 2016 Junior National Championships and won fifth place in high bar for his age category.
But gymnastics isn’t the only thing Kalvin has dominated lately. He also was recognized as an Academic All American for his academic achievement.
The 15-year-old Westfield High School student spends most days in the gym while maintaining a high GPA of 4.3
“In order to balance my gym time and school work, I do as much of my homework as I can at school, and then start it immediately when I get home,” he said on how he succeeds in both aspects. “Every week day, I go to the gym after school from 5:30 to 9 p.m. On Saturdays, I practice from 9 a.m. to noon, then 1:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday’s are my day off.”
Kalvin said he hopes to attend Stanford University for academics, as well as compete on its gymnastics team.
“I have yet to think about anything past that point,” he admitted.
Kalvin’s father, Ken, is heavily involved in the community. He holds positions on the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Board of Directors for the Westfield Youth Assistance Program, among others.
“One of the things about gymnastics is that it is an individual sport in that you are always performing alone. So because of gymnastics, from a very young age, Kalvin has had no trouble performing in front of people – in theater, music or getting up in front of the class to give a speech – he does not lack in self-confidence,” Ken said. “I believe this ‘soft skill’ in addition to his determination and success will serve him well in college, his chosen career and life in general.”
