- 2021 Highlights #2
Personal Statement
My name is Kelsie Robinson and I am a Junior at Penncrest High School in Media Pennsylvania. I am beginning my college search and desire to continue my track career at the next level.
First, I would like you to know that I take academics very seriously and am proud of how my hard work and determination has paid off. In elementary school I had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that was mostly focused on reading and writing. By working with a team of special educators and my own commitment at home I was able to advance and exit the IEP as I entered middle school. Although academics does not come as easy for me, I have pushed myself in high school by leveling up in several English and Science classes. I am proud to have a 3.6 GPA (out of 4.0) and for the first time achieved distinguished honors in the last semester of my Sophomore year.
I started to run track in the seventh grade where I mostly ran long distance. I found my passion was more in mid-distance and started running the 800 & 1600 in eighth grade. As a freshman I was welcomed to the varsity indoor & outdoor track teams and have made what I believe will be life-long friends. Running also motivates me to be a better student. Last year I was part of the 4x400 team that qualified for the Penn Relays and this year, our team was scheduled to run in both the 4x400 and 4x800 before our season was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Here are some quick stats about my physical appearance and my running and progress. I am sixteen years old, am 5'8 and weigh 118 pounds. When I first started running the 800 I was running that event in approximately 2:45. I now consistently run 2:26. with my personal best being 2:23.13 (split). My personal best in the 400 is 1:01.36 seconds (split) and my best open 400 is a 1:02.12. I am on target to achieve my goal of receiving the Kaufman Cup award (named after a legendary Penncrest coach) by attaining 9 varsity letters during my high school career.
I also run cross country as a way to improve my skills in other events. During the off season I train on average 5-6 days a week and during voluntary summer workouts I follow the recommendations provided by my coaches. Although the loss of my Sophomore spring season was very disappointing I kept up my workouts. I have never participated outside of my school team but had planned on joining a club team this summer, hopefully things get back to normal and I can do this in the spring of 2021, if not sooner.
I was thankful that our coaches held a virtual banquet for the 2019-2020 indoor track season and was proud to receive 2 awards for this past indoor season. The first was that our 4x800 relay set the Penncrest school record which also qualified us for the PA indoor state championships. I was also chosen for one of three individual awards, receiving the coaches award for my positive attitude and willingness to do anything asked of me.
