Holly Balber-Kemp Most Inspirational Award

Holly Balber-Kemp was an outstanding member of the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic National Team and an amazing Clovis Academy teammate. The Holly Balber-Kemp Most Inspirational Award is given to the Clovis Academy gymnast who inspires their teammates to be helpful and caring towards others, respectful of teammates and coaches, never gives up, and has a positive outlook on life. Voted on by the gymnasts, this award is given in loving memory of our friend and fellow gymnast, Holly Balber-Kemp.

2025 Jax Miller & Gavin Dougherty

2024 Elyra Ulmer & Bryson 

2023 Arielle Roark & Caleb Gurman

2022 Miah Raymundo

2019 Ryleigh Heck & Connor Linford

2018 Paige Beard

2017 Abigail Robinson

2016 Madison Isaak

2015 Brandon Wong

2014 Skyy Vang

2013 Jesslyn Petersen

2012 Julia Nakamura & Annaya Jones

2011 Julia Nakamura

2010 Candice Gallegos

2009 Megan Qualls

2008 Nicole Falkenstein

2007 Kara Yatabe, Desiree Gaytan, & Ashleigh Garrett

Holly Balber- Kemp Award Recipients:

2006 Desiree Gaytan & Lizzy Norvell

2005 Traci Takeda & Kali Hensley

2004 Courtney Rhodes & Brittney Russell

2003 Kaylene Snow

2002 Courtney Papike

2001 Becky Belman & Meghan Padgett

2000 Orley Szmuch

1999 Orley Szmuch

1998 Heidi Schmidt

1997 Jessica Conzen

1996 Sabrina Schmidt & Kristen Strid

1995 Alanna York

1994  Beth Sharp & Katie Hendersen

1993 Jolene Dahl

1992  Tammi Mason

1991 Nicole Jensen

1990 Nicole Jensen

Seniors

Class of 2026

Throughout high school, Blake has achieved incredible success both in the classroom and in the gym. His accomplishments include being ranked 3rd in his graduating class, earning the USAG Men’s Gymnastics Academic All-American award, being selected to the NorCal All-Star Team three times, qualifying for National Championships twice, receiving the Clovis Academy MVP award, and serving as a valued member of the Clovis Academy coaching staff.

This fall, Blake will continue his gymnastics career with the Washington Huskies Men’s Gymnastics team while attending Shoreline Community College, with plans to transfer to the University of Washington and study finance. He also hopes to continue coaching gymnastics throughout his college years.

Blake Kuhtz

Throughout high school, Liam has demonstrated excellence both academically and athletically. His accomplishments include being named Valedictorian, earning AP Scholar with Honors recognition, receiving the USAG Men’s Gymnastics Academic All-American award, being a 2-time NorCal All-Star Team member, a 2-time National Championship Qualifier, a Model United Nations Outstanding Delegate, and serving as a Fresno Unified CTE Ambassador.

This fall, Liam will be attending the University of California, Berkeley to study Civil Engineering while continuing his gymnastics career with the Bay Area Bandits. His dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on our Clovis Academy family.

Liam Perez

Elyra has been an incredible part of the Clovis Academy family for many years. During her gymnastics career, she competed through Level 8, earned various Regional Championship awards, and received the prestigious Holly Balber-Kemp Award, recognizing both her athletic accomplishments and character. Outside of the gym, Elyra excelled academically, graduating high school early with High Honors.

Today, Elyra continues to give back to the sport as a coach at Clovis Academy, sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of gymnasts. She plans to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field, and we have no doubt she will be just as successful in her future endeavors as she has been in the gym.

Elyra Ulmer