The Clinch Valley CrossFit (CVCF) Scholarship awarded 3 students from ACHS a $1,000 scholarship in its first year. All of the seniors at CVCF happened to be graduates of ACHS this year but the scholarship is open to students that attend any school and are part of the CVCF family. It is awarded to students who commit to their fitness journey as well as their community and who exemplify the core values of CVCF to remain hungry, humble and happy.
Clinch Valley CrossFit has become an integral part of Historic Downtown Clinton in just four short years. They are committed to offering a healthy lifestyle in our community while also empowering our next generation. It is at this gym that teens and adults alike cheer each other on and build each other up by going through hard things together. All in the heart of downtown! This partnership with the Education Foundation shows the foundation’s commitment to health and wellness in our students as well as the importance of collaboration with local businesses to help kids further their education.
2023 Clinch Valley CrossFit Scholarship Recipients pictured from left to right: Mason Haverkamp, Ethan Charles and Gavin Bolinger.
Describe your fitness journey and how Clinch Valley CrossFit played a role in that.
My fitness journey took a significant turn when I participated in a Crossfit class at Clinch Valley Crossfit. From the moment I stepped into the class, I felt a spark that ignited my passion for fitness. I knew right away that this was the place where I wanted to make my “gym” and continue to grow as an athlete.
Clinch Valley Crossfit has been instrumental in helping me surpass my fitness goals and achieve new heights of strength and endurance. Through their expert coaching and supportive community, I’ve become fitter and stronger than I ever thought possible. The experience has been truly transformative, and I’m grateful for the role that Clinch Valley Crossfit has played in my fitness journey.
What are some core values that you learned from Clinch Valley CrossFit that you will incorporate into your next venture?
When reflecting on the core values that I learned from Clinch Valley CrossFit, three principles stand out: Hunger, Humility, and Happiness. Hunger to continuously strive to be 1% better each day, Humility to recognize that success requires a strong desire to achieve and a willingness to learn from others, and Happiness in being part of a supportive community that values personal growth.
As I embark on my next venture, these values will be paramount in my approach. In pursuing my goals, I will maintain my Hunger to improve and push myself beyond my comfort zone. I will remain Humble and acknowledge that success is a team effort, and I can always learn from others to enhance my skills. And finally, I will approach my next venture with a sense of Happiness, gratitude, and appreciation for the opportunity to pursue my passions, recognizing that many do not have access to such opportunities.
Describe your fitness journey and how Clinch Valley CrossFit played a role in that.
Crossfit has been a huge part of my life I would not be the person I am today without it. I started Crossfit over two years ago. I didn’t love the first couple of months, but as soon as I saw changes in muscle growth and weight loss I was hooked. I started to go everyday and most days even twice to get extra lifting in. Soon I saw that my attitude and self confidence toward everything getting better. I was even starting to go out of my convert zone and talk to more people. I owe a huge part of my tennis success to CrossFit. It got me fitter than the other kids and I could last longer in games and matches.
What are some core values that you learned from Clinch Valley CrossFit that you will incorporate into your next venture?
I have learned so much from Crossfit. Two huge things I learned are to show up and give your all everyday. Some days you may not want to, but just showing up and then giving your all can make such a difference in everything in life. If I don’t go to tennis practice everyday and give it my best, even when I don’t feel like it, I will just disappoint myself later. Sometimes you work hard in the present, even when you don’t want to, because of your goals for the future. Another huge thing that being in a Crossfit environment has taught me is that being in a positive area with positive and nice people can change peoples days or even their lives for the best. Learning the importance of positive work environment and supporting others has really helped this become a priority in my life. Staying positive for others at tennis matches and supporting them is something I do better because of Crossfit.
Describe your fitness journey and how Clinch Valley CrossFit played a role in that.
I would say my fitness journey started when i was about 13/14 and joined Orange Theory Fitness with my mom. In 2019 we decided to come to Crossfit at Clinch Valley and I instantly loved it. From the coaches to the people everyone is so welcoming and encouraging. In 2022, I decided to take a break from crossfit and recently came back in February of this year and it was pretty much like a never left. Since coming back, i’ve started to love working out again when before it started to become like a chore. One thing I love about Clinch Valley is how positive and uplifting the people and the coaches are. No matter who you are, you can always count on the encouragement and support from everyone at Clinch Valley. Being able to come to a gym that will encourage me to be the best version of myself is so important and Clinch Valley does exactly that. All this to say, I wouldn’t be where I am in my fitness journey without Clinch Valley.
What are some core values that you learned from Clinch Valley CrossFit that you will incorporate into your next venture?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned from Clinch Valley would be consistency. Clinch Valley has taught me that nothing is going to just happen as you want it to. Consistency is key in the gym, but also in life in general. I’ve learned to always push myself to be the best I can. Whether that’s going up in weight at the gym or studying in school, Clinch Valley has taught me to continue to push myself and I can see this in all aspects of my life. Encouragement has also been something that Clinch Valley has taught me. As a whole, CVCF is a close-knit community and everyone apart of it is continuously building each other up. Encouraging others is something that has become instilled in me and something that I can take with me throughout my life.