Two Thirds, One Second and One First 23-2-1. The Mountain Academy experienced a first last weekend. We had 2 students test for 3^rd degree black belt, 1 student test for their 2^nd degree black belt and 1 student test for their 1^st degree black belt. And another 20 students test for all ranks. What a wonderful experience for all of us.

There were 19 Black Belts at the Friday night test and 11Black Belts sat on the board on Saturday. A tribute to the Mountain Academy Family.

I would like to congratulate Imy Rich and Jim Beasley for achieving 3^rd Degree Black Belt, quite rare, and Melissa Barrow her 2^nd degree Black Belt, an impressive achievement, and Jody Nelson, 1^st Degree Black Belt, very proud. Along with the other students that tested, I am humbled by the dedication, the practice, the attitude, the overall quality of students that are part of the Mountain Academy Family.

I would also like to thank the Black Belts for the wonderful cards, gifts and particularly my new Black Belt in honor of 8^th degree. I will wear my belt with enormous pride. It is because of you that I am where I am and it is because of you that I do what I do. Thank you.

The combination for our success this past weekend was 23-2-1, it unlocked a memorable weekend. I hope to see the same again in the future.

Grandmaster John W. Rankin