Visions In Education Home School Academy senior, Hannah D., has officially signed her letter of intent to continue her gymnastics career at Hamline University following a memorable College Signing Day ceremony.
Hannah has been part of the Visions community since the age of three, proving to be a dedicated student-athlete and one of the final graduating members of the Home School Academy.
This fall, Hannah will relocate to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she will compete under the direction of head coach Doug Byrnes.
“I’m excited to experience gymnastics in a different environment,” Hannah shared. “I have met the team and am excited to be a part of it.”
When Hannah’s family relocated from Iowa to California, they faced a significant logistical challenge: managing the academic and extracurricular schedules of four children simultaneously. In search of a flexible solution, they turned to Visions In Education on the recommendation of a friend.
“When we decided to homeschool our four children, I was struggling with trying to figure out all of the logistics,” Hannah’s mother recalled. “Visions was so helpful in getting us started and figuring out how to navigate homeschooling.”
For Hannah in particular, the ability to balance rigorous academic coursework with the demands of competitive gymnastics training was essential. Visions’ flexible model proved to be the right fit.
“Visions has given me the time and resources to attend my training without my schedule becoming overwhelming,” Hannah said. “I am so thankful that I am able to continue my gymnastics journey in college.”
Hannah’s mother expressed her appreciation for the personalized support her family received throughout their tenure at Visions, noting the meaningful impact of three credentialed teachers over the years.
“We have been so thankful for the amazing support we have received academically, and also for the funding that has allowed our kids to participate in activities and sports that we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to make happen,” she said.
Credentialed Teacher Jessica Kimbrell was singled out for her exceptional dedication to the family over the past eight years.
“She has been so supportive and patient through everything. She has truly cared for all of our kids and still asks about the ones who have graduated and moved on,” Hannah’s mother said. “She has become a monthly fixture in our lives, and it will definitely be strange to close this chapter. We will miss her deeply.”
When asked whether she would choose Visions again given Hannah’s gymnastics demands, her mother’s answer was unequivocal.
“A hundred percent,” she said. “Hannah’s gym schedule has always been very time-consuming. Had she not had the flexibility that Visions In Education afforded her, I think her athletic journey would have looked very different. It makes such a huge difference day to day, as well as when traveling for competitions.”
As Hannah prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter, she carries with her the lasting relationships and legacy she has built throughout her years at Visions. Her teacher and counselor would like to send her off with the following words of encouragement:
“Hannah, it’s been such a joy to witness you grow from the sunny girl doing gymnastics in her living room into the successful, hardworking young woman that you are today. I have been amazed at your work ethic and dedication to, not only your sport, but also your family,” said Hannah’s credentialed teacher, Jessica Kimbrell. “My wish for you as you step into the next chapter of your life is that you achieve all that you ever dreamed of, but also that you never lose sight of your love of true crime, British baking shows, or your family. Thank you for being such a hard working student and may you never have to have a NARP for a roommate.”
“In just the one year I’ve had the privilege of working at Visions and knowing Hannah, I have witnessed that her dedication in the gym and in school has made it clear she is someone who never does anything halfway,” said Hannah’s School Counselor, Stephanie Artesi-Wernette. “To Hannah: as you head into this next chapter, remember to always show up for yourself just as fiercely as you show up for your team. Wishing you all the fun, joy, and success you deserve as you begin this exciting new journey at Hamline University!”
