Five students from Howard Family Martial Arts represented Harlan County and the state at the National State Games of America held in Lynchburg, Virginia, on Aug. 3. The students competed and won in Kentucky’s games in order to qualify for the tournament held in Virginia.

“I am so very proud of my students,” said master instructor Daniel Howard. “This was a very tough competition! They were awesome ambassadors of our school, Harlan County and Kentucky.”

Howard added the State Games of America is an Olympic-style event held every two years in a different state. The event is governed by the National Congress of State Games, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s multi-sport organizational council.

Howard Family Martial Arts students received the following awards:

• Luke Cottrell — third place in form and first place in junior black belt fighting;

• Adriana Thomas — third place in fighting;

• Jackson Deal — first place in fighting;

• Dasia Delaney — fifth place in form;

• Sensei Justin Howard — first in adult black belt fighting.

Howard Family Martial Arts is located at 54 Verda School Road in Evarts. For more information, call 606-909-4540.