Valley Oaks Charter School senior Max Morelos has spent much of his life soaring through the air as a competitive gymnast. This spring, Max will graduate from VOCS’s independent study program, and join the prestigious men’s gymnastics team at the University of Oklahoma (OU), a program renowned for its 12 national championships and consistent placement among the nation’s top teams. For Max, this milestone represents the culmination of years of hard work, family support, and a passion for gymnastics that began when he was just a toddler.
“It’s really cool to me, being able to move your body in that way,” he said. “I like taking the time to learn new techniques and master skills, and I like flying over the bar and flipping through the air.”
Max’s gymnastics career began at age one in “mommy and me” classes, a tradition fostered by his family. Gymnastics quickly became a defining feature of the Morelos household. Max’s older brother, Sam, also competed, and their parents, Talia and Jesse, have been unwavering in their support, attending nearly every meet and traveling across the country to cheer on their sons.
“We created the habit as a family to go support them,” Max’s father Jesse said. “I’ve been at every single [competition] for both of them, so it’s cool to continue that.”
Over the years, Max has refined his skills and become a standout all-around gymnast, excelling in all six events: floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, and high bar. Among his many accomplishments, he is a national champion on rings and has earned a second-place national title on parallel bars. His favorite skills include intricate moves on the high bar and parallel bars that highlight his athleticism and creativity.
“You let go and go straight over the bar, then you catch the bar again. It’s a hard skill to do, but it’s really fun,” Max explained.
Max demonstrates how to use his hand grips for the high bar.
Training at Bakersfield Gymnastics Academy, Max spends about 18 hours weekly in the gym. He travels frequently for competitions and training camps, including regional elite camps that bring together top gymnasts from across the Western United States. Max says it’s an opportunity to practice in state-of-the-art facilities and create lasting friendships with other gymnasts.
“We all know each other now after so many years of doing it,” Max explained. “They’re fun camps. We get really close with some of the guys.”
Fortunately, Valley Oaks Charter School’s flexible, independent study program perfectly fits Max’s demanding schedule. With classes led by credentialed teachers and support from his home educator — his mom — Max has maintained his academic and athletic commitments. In addition to his high school coursework, Max has completed 10 college courses through Bakersfield College, preparing him for the rigorous schedule of a student-athlete.
“It definitely is hard to balance, especially when you have a heavy class load, just because you’re in the gym a lot,” Max said. “I know how to balance the workload with it, and I know how to work that schedule of training, doing school online, and going to classes.”
Valley Oaks’ high school counselor, Gena Lieske, has worked closely with Max and his family. She compares the independent study program to a three-legged stool, where the teachers, the student, and the home educator all work together to support the needs of each student. Lieske attributes Max’s success to his own dedication and his family’s support.
“We are here to help students grow and do whatever they want to do,” she added. “I’m extremely proud of him. He’s doing such great things.”
Max posing with his coach at a signing celebration at his gym.
For Max, joining the University of Oklahoma’s gymnastics team is the realization of a dream he’s had for years. He’s looking forward to being part of a tight-knit team. Unlike the primarily solo nature of junior-level gymnastics, NCAA gymnastics emphasizes team competition. Max also has his sights set on an even bigger stage: the Olympics. He aims to qualify for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials, a dream reflecting his drive and commitment to excellence.
Though Max is excited to start this next chapter, leaving home is bittersweet. He is comforted by the knowledge that his new team will be like family to him.
“The team I’m going into, they’re very close, almost like a family culture, we’re like brothers,” he explained.
Talia, Jesse, and Sam plan to support Max from afar attending meets whenever possible.
“We’ll be out there every chance we get,” Talia said. “He’s worked really hard to get to where he wants to be. He’s had this goal for a long time. So it’s exciting to watch and see him get to live it.”
For Max, none of this would have been possible without the support of his family and his faith.
“None of this would have happened without God and the blessings that he’s put in my life and my family,” Max said. “The three of them are always supporting me and coming to all my comps. It’s always been a great support system that I’ve had from them.”
As Max prepares to graduate and head to Oklahoma, he carries the lessons he’s learned from gymnastics, his school, and his family. For this Valley Oaks senior, the sky’s the limit.
By Katie Avery
Katie Avery joined the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2023 as a Communications Specialist. As a former journalist and marketing professional, her passions include media and storytelling. Before joining KCSOS, Avery worked for various local TV stations as well as the health care industry.