Karen Cockburn: Soaring High

Born in Bracebridge, Ontario, Martin Avery studied at the University of Victoria, Banff Centre School of Fine Arts, York University New College Writers Workshop, Vermont College of Norwhich University (USA), the University of Toronto, Herstmonceux Castle of Queen` University (England), and the Stratford Campus of UT/OISE, earning a Hons. B.A., B.Ed., Hons. Spec. English, M.F.A. In Writing, A.Q. Drama. He has taught Creative Writing for York University, Georgian College Centauri Arts Retreat, Bridgewater Arts Retreat, TWUC's Writers In The Schools Program, and the WCDR. For two decades, he was a full-time teacher at secondary schools in Ontario -- teaching Writers Craft, English, and Drama -- and was Arts Department Head at a small school in Muskoka. In 2004/2005 he was the first Writer In Residence for the Bracebridge Public Library and is now the Writer In Residence for the Pickering Public Library in Ontario.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Karen Cockburn is a World Champion in women`s trampoline, the reigning World Cup Champion, the reigning World Cup Synchronized Trampoline Champion, with Rosannagh MacLennan, a two time Olympic medallist with Bronze and Silver medals, and eight time Canadian champion. She is also the holder of the world record, with Rosannagh MacLeannan, for the highest level of difficulty in synchronized trampoline. Karen Cockburn won the bronze medal in Women`s Trampoline at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000, the silver medal in Women`s trampoline at the Olympics in Athens in 2004, and is on her way to the Olympics in China in 2008. Karen Cockburn is currently ranked No. 1 female trampolinist in the world by the International Gymnastic Federation.