The Most Powerful Force in Life is Family !!
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The road to greatness starts within you!
18 year old Alex Gillis, a successful martial arts competitor, a member of the National Black Belt Club and an honorable member of the elite TEAM TSDI, has an outstanding resume of Community Service and has just achieved his Black Belt at The Self-Defense Institute in Tewksbury, MA. The Self-Defense Institute has been recognized for exemplary teaching, leadership in the community and a commitment to EXCELLENCE!
We are proud to make this Black Belt Announcement that will stay with us for a very long time, sincerely. Alex had an opportunity last summer to take his Black Belt test with his friends, but when his mother said this might be the last annual summer vacation (big tradition in his family) to spend with his grandmother, we helped Alex make the right decision. Alex’ grandmother is still battling courageously with cancer and Alex is still keeping his priorities straight; but one thing he will never regret is his time with his grandmother last summer. He will be heading off to college in the Fall as he is finishing up his last year of high school this year. Alex will be successful in life because he understands priorities. Many people wonder what sets Alex apart from everyone else. It really comes down to having an open mind, and open heart and a whole lot of courage to do the right thing.
Please join us in congratulating Alex on his achievement. After all, success is a reflection of all the recognition you deserve, all the determination that lights your path and all the wisdom that guides you! Congratulations Alex! We are proud of you!!
(Picture: Alex is on the right with one of his Black Belt friends, Mitchell, on the left)
Geoff
10:43 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013
Congrats Alex!!
You deserve this, good luck at school, I know you're gonna do great!
Rick
10:54 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013
Congratulations Alex! You worked very hard for this, we're very happy to see you reach this milestone.
ruth gillis
11:39 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013
Ruth & Archie and Megan
We are so proud of Alex! it was a very difficult decision to make because we know how hard he had to work to be able to take the test for his black belt, plus he wanted to take the test with his friends,but he showed great maturity and decided to finish the test at a later date so we could spend time together as a family & with his Grandmother. Here is to you Alex, you have made us all very proud!
Joann McColgan
8:35 am on Monday, January 14, 2013
Congrats Alex!!
You should be very proud of your great accomplishment. We know how much hard
work and dedication it took to reach your goal of achieving a Black Belt. Great work. Good luck in your next adventure, college.
Dan and Joann McColgan
Lucie
9:54 am on Monday, January 14, 2013
Congratulations Alex in achieving your Black Belt. We know it is a lot of hard work to get there but what a great accomplishment. You will go far in life...you have shown great dedication and commitment. Again Congratulations...
Ryan & Lucie Frautten
Karen L.
1:20 pm on Monday, January 14, 2013
Congratulations on your remarkable achievement, and kudos for putting family first when it became necessary. I know these kinds of decisions are not easy ones, which makes your success all the more significant. Well done, and good luck always!
Karen L.
Pattie
1:19 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
Pattie , Mike and Kayla Hourihan.
Congratulations Alex on getting your Black Belt. Its an accomplishment you will always be proud of. And we are so very proud of the decision you made regarding your grandmother. You gave her the best gift ever (one she will alwalys be proud of you for)!!!!! Best of Luck in college!!!!!!!!!!