In the eighth grade at Red River Jr. High sits a talented young man who just happens to be a gymnastics royalty in North Louisiana. Jarvis Palmer is considered one of the elite male gymnasts of his age division. He has competed in two national competitions and brought home second in All Around last year.

Three years ago, Jarvis decided that he would like to try gymnastics. He began working out at AcroSports in Shreveport, quickly became a level 4 gymnast, and started competing. In his three years of competition, Palmer has amassed several coveted medals. He has 11 gold medals, one silver, and an All-Around 1st place, and he helps his team bring home first-place medals. He brought home his most recent gold medal last weekend in the Shreveport Louisiana Cup.

Jarvis’s parents, Alexis and Michael Lindsey ensure he is grounded in school work and motivated to compete.

“He is a humble kid. He always works hard and is appreciative of all that he gets. He maintains an A-B honor roll status and stays out of trouble.”

As a team competitor, Palmer is required to practice three times a week in the afternoons. Most of these evenings, Mr. Lindsey drives him to practice and waits the 4 hours until practice finishes. During these drives, they discuss what Jarvis wants and how his parents can help.

“For the most part, he just wants to be able to keep this up. This is his passion.”
Jarvis and his parents have a busy schedule ahead of them. On February 18, they travel to Westwego for the King Cake Classic. Then he is off to Ruston on Feb. 26 for the Heroes Invitational and March 8 for the NGA Southern Classic in Hammond.

He will continue this pace until June 6, when he competes for a national championship in Anaheim, California. There, he will try for a national title.

“We plan to be with him every step of the way,” said Mr. Lindsey. “If anyone wants to help with donations or sponsorships, we are always appreciative. They can contact us or send to $Alexisl88 on Cash App.”