Woodford County High School senior Acacia Johnson signed her letter of intent to continue her education and gymnastics at Limestone College in South Carolina at a ceremony Nov. 19. "It's always a special day for the school when one of our students reach their potential and can benefit from their hard work by having a chance to further their education while enjoying the sport they love," said WCHS Athletic Director Dennis Johnson For the last 12 years, Acacia has been in the gym practicing for 20 or more hours a week sharpening her skills with the hopes of one day competing at the next level. "I knew that I wanted to pursue gymnastics in some fashion but wasn't sure what was out there for me," said Johnson. "At Limestone, it's going to be acrobatic and tumbling that I will be focusing on and I am just excited that this road has led me to here." Johnson said that being a student and being in the gym so much has taught her a great deal about time management and that should help her at the collegiate level. "I've known for a long time that the amount of work I put in on a weekly basis is necessary to achieve this goal," said Johnson. "So I have mentally prepared myself for a heavy workload for years. I am ready to see what comes next." Johnson's love for animals and passion for their wellbeing has led her to have the same dream career since she was 5 years old. I plan to study to be a veterinarian," she said. "I have a dog and fish and some rabbits that I take care of at home. My schedule hasn't allowed me more time with animals, but I am looking forward to future opportunities." Being a gymnast and practicing her craft outside of the school is something that Johnson does not have in common with her classmates. "I tell my friends all the time that its different than what they do because the student body comes to high school events and it's a different feel," said Johnson. "At the same time, I am fine with it because I like being someone who does something different and I think it makes me stronger that way." During the week, Johnson puts in her time at Agility Gymnastics in Versailles and continues to prep for the future. "I have a fabulous coach named Robin Huff," said Johnson. "She pushes me, and we have been through so much together. She wants to see the best come out of me and I am beyond grateful to her." Johnson says now that her signing is over, she feels grateful for all of the support from her family and the sacrifices made by her parents through all of her training.
"There is no way I could have done this without the support from my family," said Johnson. "They have always been there, and they want me to be the best I can be."