National champion roller skater, Joy Mason, continues quest for Worlds

Mentor High School athlete, Joy Mason, has returned from the 2017 USA Roller Sports five-state Regional Championships in Canton, Michigan, with two Gold Medals, in Junior World Class and World Class Women's Figures. This achievement qualified her to skate in the 2017 USARS National Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska. This is her tenth National Championships. Competing against America's best skaters, she placed 4th in Junior World Class and 6th in World Class. This was her first time competing in World Class, the most elite level in artistic roller skating.

Joy trains year round at Mentor Skateland Roller Rink in Mentor on the Lake, OH, with Elite coach Lou Pannunzio. In 1993, Mr. Pannunzio was inducted into the Roller Skating Coaches Hall of Fame in Lincoln, Nebraska. He has produced numerous national and world champions in his illustrious career and we are lucky to have him right here in Northeast Ohio.

Joy has been roller skating since she was four years old and is now a senior at Mentor High. In addition to her numerous Gold Medals, she has received the Ohio 'A' Skater of the Year Award and the Mentor Skateland Artistic Club Award. Due to her outstanding accomplishments, Mentor High School awarded Joy a Varsity Letter in roller skating.

Joy Mason, is a wonderful example of what a competitive skater should be –persistent, determined, considerate, and compassionate. She is a fine representative of her sport and of young people everywhere. Joy’s family supports her in her efforts wholeheartedly. They know that her hard work and perseverance have made her one of our nation’s top athletes in roller sports, and they are very proud of her success.

Joy Mason is a tremendous asset to the Mentor Skateland Artistic Club. She enthusiastically participates in planning fundraisers and organizing parade appearances. Consistently looking for ways to promote the sport, she has appeared on television and in several newspapers. Joy encourages new skaters, by her example, to keep practicing and developing their skills. She is familiar with all aspects of rink operation. She runs the snack bar, organizes group lessons, hosts the birthday parties, and works as the disc jockey. Joy created the rink's website and Facebook page, and she handles the email.

In addition to being a competitive skater, Joy is an honors student with a 4.1 cumulative GPA. She plays the cello, and she participates in several school clubs, including serving as Model UN President, HOSA Vice President (Future Health Professionals), National Honor Society, and Student Government. Joy is going into her fourth year serving on the Principal’s Advisory Board. In addition, she was extremely honored to receive Mentor School's prestigious Crystal Cardinal Award for her implementation of Model UN in the middle schools. As a Ambassador Girl Scout, Joy is working on earning her Gold Award. Also, she has earned a black belt in karate from Family Karate in Mentor. She is a serious athlete and an excellent student, and she strives for perfection in everything she does.

Helping her community is important to Joy, and she spends many happy hours volunteering at Tripoint Medical Center, University Hospitals of Cleveland and at the Cleveland Clinic. Joy plans a medical career as a surgeon in her future and is currently researching scholarship opportunities. She has earned The President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Prudential Spirit of Community Certificate of Excellence. Joy also volunteers at the Lake Humane Society, where she organized and advertised a skating party fundraiser which brought in donations and pet supplies. She is a true leader and knows how to get things done.

Joy has received Certificates of Recognition from the City of Mentor and from the Board of Lake County Commissioners for her skating achievements and community service. Both the General Assembly of The State of Ohio House of Representatives, and The State of Ohio Senate, have congratulated her on her Skater of the Year Award and on “her skating talent, competitive spirit, and on her highest ideals of good sportsmanship.” They called her “a truly exceptional athlete.” The Lake County Captains have inducted Joy onto their Wall of Champions in Classic Park stadium. Furthermore, she has earned The President’s Physical Fitness Platinum Award.

Joy is extremely honored to receive these distinguished awards and will continue her pursuit of skating excellence. She is looking forward to next year’s competitions. Her determination and drive to succeed will serve her well in the future. Her ultimate skating goal is to qualify to represent Team USA at the FIRS (Federation Interanationale Roller Sports) World Championships. So, if you are looking for Joy Mason, she is probably at the rink … practicing. Come join her at Mentor Skateland, and take some lessons. Roller skating is a terrific sport for all ages, whether you skate for recreation, fitness, or to challenge yourself by competing. You, too, can be a champion!

www.mentorskateland.com