Who’s Who

81-year-old Saugus grandmother Virginia Grace Rooney gains national interest for her Taekwondo achievements

  Virginia Grace Rooney, the 81-year-old Saugus woman who followed in her grandson’s footsteps after first taking him to Taekwondo classes, is attracting national attention.

  “Grand Master Soon Woo Hong and the masters of Danvers Sun Taekwondo Academy would like to announce that their student Virginia Grace Rooney age 81 of Saugus has been inducted into The Marquis Who’s Who in America 2022-2023 edition,” the academy said in an email to The Saugus Advocate this week.

  “Ginnie, as she is affectionately known, achieved her Black Belt last year at the age of 80. We are all very proud of her for this most deserved honor.”

  Rooney credits her grandson, J.J. Rooney, for her introduction to Taekwondo. Three years ago, she began taking the Kickboxing Class and quickly joined Taekwondo, making it her goal to earn her Black Belt for her 80th birthday – a goal she accomplished last year.

  She participated in the 8th Annual Korean Consulate Cup, winning second in Poomsae and third in Breaking. And she has made history as the most senior student to receive a Black Belt at Danvers Sun Taekwondo Academy.

  The plaque ends with the following inscription: “inclusion in which is limited to individuals who possess professional integrity, demonstrate outstanding achievement in their respective fields and have made innumerable contributions to society as a whole.”