Longtime AAU volunteer passes
04/20/2021
Debi Barta served on the AAU Gymnastics Committee for past eight (8) yearsHIGHLAND, Calif - It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the AAU announces the passing of longtime AAU volunteer Deborah 'Debi' Barta, Southern Pacific AAU Gymnastics Director, after a long and hard-fought battle against cancer.
Barta served on the National AAU Gymnastics Executive Committee as the Scholarship Sub-Committee Chair for eight (8) years. She coached gymnastics for more than 22 years and was part of the AAU for approximately 20 of those years having attended the AAU Gymnastics Age Group National every year since 2000.
When she was not volunteering her time with the AAU Gymnastics Committee, Barta taught 8th Grade algebra. She had educated youth students for more 35 years.
Barta taught school at Richardson Prep High school for 33 years. She taught elementary school two years prior to her teaching career at Richardson. Barta received many teaching awards including the MONTE award (Many Of Our Nation’s Top Educators). Also, she worked mentoring teachers in the district and lead learning opportunities for professional development.
Each year on the last day of school she would do a traditional ringing out the school years where the street was blocked and she would do cartwheels down the street. All the students looked forward to this celebration each year.
When asked what her favorite part about coaching is, Barta replied, “My favorite thing about coaching is watching kids strive to reach their full potential in gymnastics and apply this work ethic to other factors of their life.”
Barta was a dedicated volunteer, coach, leader, and most importantly, friend. The AAU Gymnastics community and all of the AAU expresses its heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this time. She will be missed.
Cards of condolence can be sent to Tim Barta 7862 La Nita Street Highland, CA 92346 To her daughers Robyn Barta 21661 Brookurst St, #71, Huntington Beach, CA 92646 and Katie Barta 65- Tamarack Ave, #2314 Brea, CA 92821
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