Super Students
Saturday, March 7, 1998
Name: Kari An Huber
Age: 9
School:St. Andrew's Priory
Favorite subject: Science, art, choir
Pastimes: Rhythmic gymnastics, ballet, jazz dance
Future: Art teacher
She can slither through hoops, roll a ball down one arm, spin a rope in the air, juggle clubs and artistically swing a ribbon -- all while bounding across a room performing floor exercises. 4th-grader juggles her time
Well, maybe not all at once. But this young gymnast has won much recognition for her skill. "I can do walk-overs, cartwheels, splits, and kicks that touch your nose," said Kari An Huber, a fourth-grader at St. Andrew's Priory.
Huber said gymnastics was never more than a hobby. "I just wanted to try something new," she said. The sport takes a big chunk of her time - about 15 hours a week practicing routines, taking a required ballet class and fitting in jazz dance.
But the time is well spent.
Huber placed third in the ball competition at the Los Angeles Lights Rhythmic Gymnastics International Invitational in January, first in two categories at the 1997 Las Vegas Invitational and was Hawaii State Level 5 Champion in 1997. Of five levels of competition (levels five to 10), Huber now competes at level six.
Despite her successes, Huber plans to quit gymnastics at year's end and dedicate herself to art in preparation for an art career.
Teacher Arlene Reventes said she believes Huber has a bright future ahead of her.
"She's a great student, a perfectionist. She sets high standards and achieves them," she said.
Kimberly K. Fu, Star-Bulletin
