Reaching for the SKIES

FORT MEADE, Md. - Three times is the charm.Ten-year-old Emmanuel Roberts tried twice to complete a high-flying side kick during a Tae Kwon Do demonstration Saturday afternoon, but he wasn't successful."I was laughing," Emmanuel said of his lack of concentration.But when Emmanuel took his instructor's advice and focused his energy, the Manor View Elementary School student split a piece of wood in half with the force of his foot, garnering applause from the audience."It was easy," he said after the event.Emmanuel was one of 80 Fort Meade children who participated in the second annual SKIES Unlimited Winter Showcase at McGill Training Center. The event is sponsored by Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration & Skills Unlimited, an education and recreation program offered by Child, Youth and School Services.The children, who are enrolled in SKIES dance, tumbling, music and Tae Kwon Do classes, showed off their talents in a two-hour presentation that left smiles on the faces of parents and other family members."It was nice," said 2nd Lt. Renee Roberts, of her son Emmanuel's martial arts performance.Roberts said Emmanuel excels in his Tae Kwon Do class. "It's actually good to see him do it," she said.Elizabeth Lombardo, the instructional program specialist at SKIES, said the showcase, which is held in spring and winter, is a family affair. Read Story