Deer Park Student Earns Taekwondo Gold Medal

DEER PARK, NY — The Deer Park School District recognized Deer Park High School junior Kayla Tyson at the Nov. 26 board of education meeting for winning a gold medal at the 2024 Taekwondo Dracula Open, held in October in Bucharest, Romania.

A second-degree black belt, Tyson has been studying taekwondo since age three and was ranked second in the nation. Before a recent injury, she had been scheduled to travel to Portland, Oregon, in January to compete for a 2025 U.S. National Team spot.

"Kayla represents the very best of the best,” said Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, who was there to congratulate Tyson. “I think it’s a testament to her family, to her, and also a testament to our community that we raise such wonderful kids.”

Also in attendance was Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, who presented Tyson with a proclamation, and revealed that Nov. 26, 2024, had been declared as Kayla Tyson Day in the Town of Babylon.

"She has achieved so much in her young life," Board President Donna Marie Elliott said. "We are so proud of you, Kayla."