History was made at the 2017 IHSA Boys Gymnastics State Finals on the judging panel, as Lora Boehne Kalka was selected to work the event at Hinsdale Central High School.
Lora became the first female official selected to work the boys’ state final meet in the 66-year history of the IHSA State Series tournament.
Lora reflected on the historic achievement, saying:
“It is an honor to be selected as an IHSA State Final Official, more so as I had the privilege of officiating at both the Boys' and Girls’ State Final tournaments this year. The dedicated coaches and officials in Illinois are a testament to the love of gymnastics lasting long past our competitive years. Mary Lou Retton once said, ‘Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It's our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.’ I hope the dedication of all our officials inspires the next generation to stay involved in gymnastics.”