Monroe's Story

The proud daughter of an U.S. Navy Reservist, Monroe began pursuing her passion for gymnastics at just 2 years old. When her father deployed in 2022, Monroe and her sister Lyric each received multiple Our Military Kids grants to cover gymnastics fees.

"Monroe is 10 years old and now competing as a level 5 gymnast," said her mother. "In 2022, she was level 4 while her dad was deployed.

"Monroe dealt with a magnitude of difficulties with nothing but grace. Her father was deployed for a whole year, all while she was still dealing with problems of COVID restricting events at school and the gym. She won the title of Maine State Level 4 Champion without having the support of her dad with us.

"During the deployment, Monroe also partnered with a leotard company that she represents as a brand ambassador to create a design that reminded her of her dad. She also wanted to show other gymnast that they are not alone in the military kids world. A portion of the leotard sales was donated to the Travis Mills Foundation that helps recalibrated soldiers find rest and relaxation here in Maine.

"I truly believe that Monroe shows that you can do all the hard things in life and grow so much from that. I know that anyone that has met Monroe would back me up in saying that she is a strong and courageous child and that she rises in everything she does."