On a Positive Note: Long Island Gymnast Continues Down Historic Path at HBCU
Daily news headlines can often be jarring, overwhelming and leave people feeling a sense of hopelessness, but Cheddar News is looking to capture those feel good moments as well.
Kayla McDonald, 19, a budding collegiate gymnast, is paving her own path and doing it with some history tacked along. McDonald and her Fisk University teammates have become the first historically Black college or university to compete in gymnastics at the collegiate level. She said she and her teammates initially didn't realize how big of a deal it was until they started going viral on social media.
McDonald's historic path to collegiate gymnastics didn't just begin at Fisk. She was the first person from Long Island's Valley Stream South High School to ever compete in state competition for four consecutive years and achieve All-American status. Former teammates even expressed their admiration for her and achievements. "There's just very few people who look like you doing it, so when it comes to that, it's so nice to have other people look like you, doing it and that you can share that moment with," Milan Morris, former high school teammate, said.
Look around - the walls you see can actually be used as gym equipment. Personal trainer Lamont J. Wallace demonstrates some moves you can do to build strength just about anywhere.
Football season is entering its final weeks but watch parties and tailgating continues -- and no party is complete without a man's best friend. Luke Silverman, co-founder of Bark Social and Penny, a friendly Cavapoo, joined Cheddar News to show how to set up the perfect puppy-friendly tailgate.
Cheddar News spoke with Big Apple Circus CEO Marty LaSalle who began as a juggler in the ring with the circus and discussed its operations, collaborations and its legacy. Cheddar News also got a chance to see juggler Noel Aguilar in action and discuss what's it like performing on the big stage.
