Schools
Whiz Kid of the Week: Eleni Kolybakos
This is one girl who will not have to worry about being bullied at school!
Each week, Rohnert Park Patch will feature a remarkable kid, teen, youth group, sports team, or even college student that amazes us with their achievement.
This week we found our very own Karate Kid (except that she does Taekwondo) who at a very young age has begun to master a very intensive martial art. She excels not only locally, but also at the state and national level!
Patch Whiz Kid of the Week
Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatifor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Name/Age: Eleni Kolybakos / 14
School: Attends Analy High School in Sebastopol.
Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatifor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Achievement: Eleni won the 2011 ATA Taekwondo World Champion in forms as a 1st Degree Black Belt for the 12-14 age group in June. She took 2nd place in weapons. Eleni is also the 2011 California State Champion for sparring and weapons and was the 2010 State Champion for forms and sparring.
After wrapping up the World Competition she went right back to work and is currently preparing to test for her 2nd Degree Black Belt.
Eleni has been Training for 5 1/2 years with Nicholas Schafer at his Taekwondo academy. After earning her Black Belt she started assisting in training students at the academy and also will bring students home for private lessons.
Key to Awesomeness: "Drive is her biggest key. Eleni always wants to push hard to do better," said older sister Kaitlyn. "She is very dedicated and works hard and yet strives to be her own person," added her mother, Mary.
When she grows up: "I would like to own my own Martial Arts Academy and train people," Eleni said.
About Schafer's ATA Black Belt Academy: Nicholas Schafer has been training in Taekwondo for nearly 20 years and is a 5th Degree Black Belt. He opened his club in Rohnert Park in 2001 (and moved to their current location in 2004). They have over 170 students and teach self defense and martial arts for competitive sport.
Do you want to recommend someone who has an amazing achievement in the Rohnert Park community to be featured as a Patch Whiz Kid? Just send an email to the author with your nomination! We are looking for suggestions from the community for kids, youths, or groups (and more) that do amazing things.
