Derek's Very First Class (Second from left)

         When six-year-old Derek Hagemann began taking Tae Kwon Do at our school, we knew that we were working with an exceptional child. Derek and his older brother, Luke, came to class together several times a week.

        We watched Derek make incredible progress over the two years that he spent with us. Derek was always delightfully expressive — you could tell just what he was thinking by the look on his face. You could see the struggle, concentration, and occasional panic that he would experience as he battled through the mental challenges of learning a new form or the physical stress of learning a new technique. And in the twinkle of his eyes, we saw bravery and courage — a determined mind that was resolved on constant improvement. This is uncommon to see, even in adults, but especially coming from a 6-year-old boy.

        We observed his progress with great respect and admiration. There are some times in Tae Kwon Do training when a student may be tempted to give up because he or she feels that no progress is being made. Derek, however, had the ability to motivate people through no conscious effort of his own. It was always inspirational to come to class and see such a small child try so hard and make such improvement.

        After two wonderful years of having Derek in our school, he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. He was only 8 years old. He was incredibly intelligent, and sweetly sensitive. He was also remarkably hard working, having earned his deputy black belt quickly and at such a young age. He always had a smile on his face, and a story to share enthusiastically with anyone who would listen. Full of vibrant energy, he had the ability to light up a room just by walking into it. Knowing Derek was such a wonderful gift on so many levels.

       While it is easy to grieve over our great loss, it is especially important to consider how we were blessed by his sweet spirit. There is a saying, "Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened!" Sharing in Derek’s life was one of the most precious gifts that anyone could ever receive. It is as if God himself took the best part of heaven and shared it with us for a short time through the life of this precious little boy.

        Our hearts go out to the Hagemann family: his parents, Bob and Linda, and his big brother, Luke. We love you, we embrace you, and our prayers will continually be with you.

        Derek loved animals, and was especially active at the Carolina Raptor Center. His favorite raptor was the eagle.

        The Carolina Raptor Center has a program in which individuals can "adopt" an eagle for a year. Black Belt USA took this to heart, and through student contributions, managed to adopt an eagle for the Hagemann family in honor of Derek.  We would like to give a special thank you to all of our students who helped us to make this possible.

        Of course, Derek's beautiful heart touched people well beyond the walls of our Tae Kwon Do school.  Even the Carolina Raptor Center has taken a special heart for Derek.  They have named an eagle after him, and they also released a rehabilitated raptor back into the wild in a special ceremony for Derek.

        At the end of every year, Black Belt USA has a special awards ceremony for its students. Categories include Student of the Year, Most Improved Student of the Year, Competitor of the Year, Parents of the Year, and many more. Traditionally, an adult student wins the Student of the Year award. Because Derek has made such an impression at our school, however, there is a change in store for future award ceremonies.

        Even at such a young age, Derek made outstanding progress in his training, demonstrating inspirational determination, constant perseverance, and unwavering courage. His progress went deeper than physical skill, as he blossomed in mental and emotional strength. This is the purpose of Tae Kwon Do training: to cultivate this mental and emotional growth, coupled with increasing physical skills, strength, and endurance. Derek personified this transformation beautifully.

        In recognition of Derek's beautiful example, Black Belt USA will add a special new category in its award ceremony: the Children’s Student of the Year Award. This award will be named "The Derek Hagemann Award of Excellence", and it will be the most prestigious of all the awards given at our Special Awards Ceremony.

        A Few More Pictures of our Dear Friend and Student

Derek and Luke last Christmas

Luke and Derek perform together for a demonstration.

Our Children's Class.  Derek is the 1st from the left on the middle row.

Our school at our last Christmas party.  Derek is the 4th from the right on the front row.

~o~

Thank you, Derek, for all of those wonderful memories.

Though you may have left our school,

You will never leave our hearts.

~o~