National champion, Joy Mason, earns prestigious 2014 Ohio 'A' Skater of the Year Award!

Artistic roller skater, Joy Mason, has been presented with the prestigious 2014 ‘A’ Skater of the Year Award at the Ohio Figure Roller Skating Banquet.  This banquet is held each November to recognize past and present skating champions.  Ohio’s skating coaches vote to select the recipient of this coveted award.  The winner is chosen based on medals earned and dedication to the sport of competitive roller skating.  Level ‘A’ is the highest level, and it is for elite skaters who are extremely proficient at their sport.

At the awards ceremony, Joy also received a trophy in recognition of her regional and national accomplishments for 2014.  At the five state regional competition, in Shelby Township, MI, Joy won for gold medals.  At nationals in Lincoln, NE, she earned one gold and one bronze medal.  This is Joy’s third year as national champion. 

Joy is trained by World Class, Hall of Fame Coach, Lou Pannunzio, at Mentor Skateland in Mentor on the Lake, Ohio.  She would like to encourage everyone to come out to skate or to join her in training for competition.  Roller skating is fun for all ages, and it is exercise in disguise!  Joy has earned the President’s Physical Fitness Platinum Award and has almost accumulated enough activity ours to earn it again!

Joy has appeared on television, in newspapers, and in magazines to promote competitive roller skating.  She received a Certificate of Recognition form the Lake County Commissioners congratulating her on her skating achievements and thanking her for her commitment to community service.

Along with her skating, Joy is currently a freshman at Mentor High School where she is an honor student with a  4.25 GPA.  She plays the cello in the school orchestra.  Joy is a member of the Principal's Student Advisory Board, and she participates in Model UN, Yearbook, Inkwell Newspaper, Ecology Club, Student Government, and Future Leaders Club.  She is also a Senior Girl Scout, has earned a black belt in karate from Family Karate in Mentor, and she is a member of 4-H’s Kids and K9’s.  Volunteering is important to Joy, and she has earned The President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Prudential Spirit of Community Certificate of Excellence.  Joy has worked with the Lake Humane Society, volunteered at Mentor Recreation summer camps, and helps as a DJ and snack bar attendant at the rink, among other things.

Family and friends are extremely proud of Joy’s accomplishments.  They know that her dedication and hard work make her one of the nation’s top competitors in her sport.  Joy is a serious athlete and a serious student, and she puts her heart into everything she does.

Joy is extremely honored to receive these distinguished awards and will continue her pursuit of skating excellence.  So, if you are looking for Joy, she is probably at practice.  Come join her at Mentor Skateland and take some lessons.  You, too, can be a champion!