There is nothing quite like a gymnastics state competition, from the atmosphere to the pressure of competing with the best there is. This year, two of PR’s own competed for grand prizes, sophomore Jada Berkland and senior Danielle Dyra.

Both started gymnastics at a very, very young age and have loved doing it ever since. Jada’s mom introduced her to it at the age of three, and Danielle’s cousin got her involved. Ever since then, both had been very good at the sport and ever improving.

On the whole pressure of a state competition, Danielle described it as “such a different feeling compared to our other competitions. There is a crazy amount of pressure, but it’s also a satisfying feeling knowing you’ve made it all the way to the State competition.” Jada, being one of the only sophomores in the competition, said it was “really overwhelming and exciting! It is a lot of fun competing with friends and making new friends and most importantly, making memories.”

Jada even had her own fan section this year, being one of the youngest to compete. Jada said she was “I had an amazing fan section this year, I have great friends that took away their own time to drive down to Palatine High School and even make shirts and signs for me. In fact, I had a lot of compliments about my fan section the next day when we had to go back.”

Danielle hurt her ankle and is likely out for college, but Jada still has gymnastics ahead of her, and might even want to compete in college. About competing in the future, Jada says, “I love gymnastics, and it is my life so it would be weird to think to be done with it after high school. However, I am also not quite sure about college yet. I just haven’t really looked into it.” Hopefully, at least for her high school career, she will continue to do what she does best and be what PR has always wanted: another shining gymnastics star.

When asked if they would like to say anything to the PR student body, Danielle responded “Thank you to anyone, and everyone who came out to support us, we really appreciate it. Hearing fans cheer you on from down on the floor is truly an amazing feeling. I also want to thank all of my friends for being there for me throughout this entire crazy season. You guys are the best!”

Check out the Facebook photo gallery of the PR Co-op Gymnastics Team.