June 2019 Newsletter
Student Spotlight: Jacquelyn, Chavez H.S.
Meet Jacquelyn, our lovely, energetic Senior at Chavez H.S in Houston, who has a passion for the arts and helping people! Before joining the jkl program, Jacquelyn struggled with having a short temper, and as a result, had a hard time maintaining friendships. During the jkl gratitude circles, Jacquelyn had the opportunity to listen to her peers share their personal stories, struggles and celebrations! This eventually helped Jacquelyn with her friendships as she began to open up and share more, which also led to her being more grateful. Since her first semester in the jkl program, Jacquelyn consistently has a smile on her face, lost 25 pounds, and has developed new friendships and through her jkl family.
“Having Instructors like Ms. Giles and Ms. Salvador who tell me to never give up and share my gifts, has been extremely helpful”. Jacquelyn is a passionate graphic designer, make-up artist and painter, who just sold her first painting for $2,000 earlier this year! She volunteers her time to provide make-up sessions for the Gay Straight Alliance Club on campus. Jacquelyn is a bubbly, creative student and we are so proud of her! We wish her luck in pursuing a graphic design and engineering degree after high school!
Veronica Beard Store Opening
We were honored to be the charitable beneficiary of the Veronica Beard store opening in the Palisades Village complex in Los Angeles.
The women’s fashion brand, co-founded by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, has generously supported JKL in the past as the featured designers of our Mack, Jack & McConaughey fashion show and through their “Veronica Beard Gives Back” program.
On their recent visit to L.A., the two women took the time to visit the JKL program at Animo Inglewood High School, speaking to the students about setting goals and building a business. “These kids are so smart and inquisitive. They asked such great questions. We have families that are so supportive, but there are so many kids that don’t and Matthew and Camila have given them a path and a place to go,” said Miele Beard.
The designers even invited one of our members, a Senior named Maggie who is going to Harvard in the Fall, to speak at the store launch event. Maggie did such a great job sharing her story with all of the guests and having her there with us helped bring the partnership full circle.
We are looking forward to collaborating with Veronica Beard again in the future! To read more about this partnership from our very own Camila McConaughey check out her interview with the Hollywood Reporter here
JKL Field Day 2019
On Wednesday, May 8th, 80 of our Los Angeles just keep livin students participated in Field Day at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles! The event kicked off with Kristi Castlin as our guest speaker and she used this opportunity to speak with the students to inspire them by sharing her love for running and her passion to compete.
Kristi won the bronze medal in the 2016 Olympics in Rio in the 100 M hurdles! Kristi told the kids, “Running really relaxes me and gives me a controlled way to channel my love for new challenges and desire to be great at everything in life I do. It also teaches me how to face and deal with the ups and downs of what often blindsides you sometimes in this thing we call life. Learn, unlearn, relearn…. I’ve decided to really implement this idea within my life. Working out, setting goals, having setbacks, all of those things have taught me how to just be more understanding about how life works.”
After our guest speaker, the students transitioned into a rotation of activities that included a boot camp style work out by Brendan Cosso, CEO of the World Calisthenics Organization, relay races, a balloon toss and the Los Angeles Chargers ran a football challenge where students were able to win prizes donated by the Chargers. It was a fun filled afternoon full of smiles, friendly competition and lots of fun! A great big thank you to Kristi Castlin, the Chargers, Brendan Cosso and everyone who helped make this a successful event for the kids!
Board Member and Chief Innovative Officer at CAA, Michelle Kydd Lee, speaks to our students at Venice High School about leaving her small town for her big dreams!
Board Member and Founder and Co-CEO of LourdMurray, Blaine Lourd, speaks to our students at Animo Inglewood Charter High School and gives them tips for a successful future!
Tony Everett, Founder of Pure Games, an organization that helps children develop character through experiential learning, speaks to our students at Fremont High school!
Camila Tip: Cookie Dough Energy Bites
Camila is always looking for better-for-you snacks, and these Cookie Dough Energy Bites don’t disappoint!!
Featuring just the right amount of healthy protein and sweetness (who else loves chia seeds and peanut butter?), these crowd-pleasers will get you through long days when hunger strikes between meals! Plus, they are packed full of organic, simple and filling ingredients. They are perfect to grab as a breakfast on-the-go, to keep in your bag as a snack, and will help satisfy those sweet tooth cravings without the guilt! Click here for the recipe. or click here to view Camila’s Video Recipe.
Beller Nutrition Recipe of the Month
Fiesta Ranchero Scramble
Rachel Beller MS, RDN
Spice up your breakfast with this nutrient filled breakfast scramble. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and tons of flavor. It’s super quick and easy and only takes about 15 min. to prep and cook. You could prepare the chopped ingredients beforehand and store in the refrigerator the night before to save time in the morning. Feel free to double the recipe and keep leftovers for an afterschool snack or light dinner.
Makes: 2 servings
Ingredients:
• 2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
• ½ medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 organic whole egg
• 2 egg whites
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup cooked black beans, no salt added
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh salsa, homemade or store bought
• ½ medium tomato, chopped
Swag of the Month:
Patriot Cap
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with this 940 Patriot Cap!