As part of the overall gymnastics program, Menlo Park offers the opportunity for qualified athletes to advance further in the gymnastics world by competing in USA Gymnastics-sanctioned competitions. As the athletes move up through the recreational classes, coaches observe their progress, evaluate them and recommend placement on the competitive team. The girls’ team known as “Menlo Sparks” has 29 members. Some highlights of recent competitions include Corrine Deschenieks, who placed first all-around, and Vivienne Wluks, who placed second all-around, at the Hollywood Invitational. At the Meet by the Bay, the level two and level five teams placed second. Sophia Simons placed first all-around. Jessica Ng and Ava Thompson were state bar champs. Alexa Thomases placed first on vault at the winter Invitational and third all-around. Alexa competed at the state championships where she placed third on vault and bars, and fifth all-around. The Menlo Park boys’ competitive team has nine members. The boys competed at the Gold Country Classic where Parker Chandik placed first on vault, second on high bar, and third on both rings and floor. At the state championships, Emmanuel (Manny) Tolkoff placed fourth on parallel bars and Paul Whelan placed seventh on high bar. The team also placed third at the state championships and made it to the Region 1 men’s championships where Ezekiel Eason placed second on parallel bars and Noah Kim placed fourth on parallel bars. Great job competitors!