I
fell in love with gymnastics in 1972 during the Munich Olympics. The reason
was Olga Korbut. I could identify with her and she inspired me. She was
unique, flexible, small, yet powerful and won six Olympic medals in her
lifetime. I am the mother of three girls. Although I was a gymnast for
many years, ironically, I was not eager to have any of my girls pursue
gymnastics as their chosen sport. It is far more difficult and demanding
than it appears from a distance. However, when my girls were little, I took
them to various area gyms for the exercise; they loved running, tumbling and
jumping. But, as a lifelong gymnast, I was able to quickly evaluate the
caliber of each gym.
Then, a few years ago, our youngest daughter “asked” me and my husband if
she could try Bright Stars. (She had heard about it at school.)
Immediately, upon visiting I perceived Bright Stars as a very positive
gymnastics environment. Much of this perception has to do with head coach
Bonnie Petitt, a Massachusetts State Champion herself. She not only has
extensive skill experience; she has a deep understanding of children. (She
is a wonderful mother of four.) She also focuses acutely on ability,
strength/conditioning, self respect and above all, kindness. Her excellent
assistant coaches balance the gym as well.
Prior to Bright Stars, our youngest daughter has never been eager to leave
our sides, but she certainly adores Bonnie, her family and Bright Stars.
She always looks forward to practice no matter how arduous and being at the
gym. In addition, she is learning permanent life lessons that have less to
do with a given score (though she has accomplished a great deal in this
regard), than with sportswomenship, conditioning, courage and kindness. We
are quite proud of her, Bright Stars and the fact she chose it as her gym.
~Kim Sabo
I
have two 6 year old twins that have been attending Bright Stars Gymnastics
for the past three years and love it. Ms. Bonnie and her staff have
been the perfect match for my children. The instructors are
knowledgeable, extremely positive and supportive. The facility is
clean and organized. There are many flexible class times to choose from and
make up classes are scheduled often enough so my children get the most out
of the program. The Bright Stars gymnastics program is a true asset to
the Atlantic County community.
~Rita King
My
daughter had taken gymnastics and cheernastics at her school and other gyms
but her real interest did not start until she went to a birthday party at
Bright Stars. The gym was so clean and the instructors so much fun that she
wanted to join immediately. About a year later she made the team and the
real fun began. I began to notice that the focus she learned in gymnastics
started to transfer to her school work as well. She became a real " can do"
girl and I was just amazed at how fast she had progressed. And throughout
the process, she has always found her coaches to be fun and supportive. I
just can't say enough good things about this gym and the programs that
Bright Stars has offered my daughter.
~Dara Quatttrone-Roche
My
daughter has learned a lot at Bright Stars. She has accomplished so much,
not only skill-wise but she has also become more confident in herself. I
truly believe that this is because of the positive reinforcement that is
given to all of the girls by the Bright Stars coaches. My daughter loves
it at Bright Stars and I am so happy that we chose this gym. I look
forward to the many gymnastics years to come.
~Kim McConnell, Team Parent
After
meeting the owner of Bright Stars Academy, Bonnie Petitt, (several years
prior to the opening of the gym) I was impressed by her ability to nurture,
build confidence in and individualize the care of her four children. Bonnie
Petitt has been able to motivate and train her staff to do the very same
with the children of Bright Stars Academy. It gives me great comfort to
entrust Bonnie and the staff at Bright Stars with the advancement of my
girls’ physical development, but more importantly with support they give to
their emotional development. Bright Stars Academy is one of a kind and a
true asset to our community!
