September Newsletter
Student Spotlight: John
Despite the fact he’s only just starting his Sophomore year, JKL member John from Eastern Hills high school in Fort Worth, TX, is already making the investment to have the just keep livin program be an essential part of his high school journey. In addition to making sure he doesn’t miss a session, John has formed new bonds with his peers and has been an advocate in recruiting new students to join the program.
Although running is his passion, his favorite component of the JKL program is the Gratitude Circle, because that is where he experiences the most connectivity with his peers. He loves that everyone feels comfortable sharing personal things with no judgement and how that creates a family atmosphere within the group.
Furthermore, John’s parents are glad he has a safe place after school where he can go to experience unique opportunities and develop healthy eating habits that he can share with his siblings. John’s favorite JKL moment so far is when he volunteered for the “Flavor Run.” He had to make sure that all the runners passing by got their fair share of fruit flavored colored powder!
Upon graduation, John would love to study Law Enforcement at UT Dallas and then become a lawyer. We love students like John who jump right in to our program and actively participate, and we look forward to hearing more about his JKL journey this upcoming school year!
Welcome Back JKL
We are thrilled to kick off the 2017-2018 school year and wish all of our JKL educators a successful year of programming! We continue to be in awe of the positive impact each of our teachers make in improving the lives and health of the students we serve. We will have six new JKL programs kicking off their inaugural programs this year: John Adams H.S. and Martin Luther King Jr. H.S in Cleveland, OH; Jordan H.S. in Los Angeles, CA; Lanier H.S. in Austin, TX; Phelps H.S. in Washington D.C; and Cohen H.S. in New Orleans, LA. We have some really strong and passionate change-makers who will be running these programs and we are looking forward to watching them thrive!
Lip Sync Battle Field Trip
On Saturday August 19th, 15 of our just keep livin students from Animo South Los Angeles high school were thrilled to attend Nickelodeon’s “Lip Sync Battle: Shorties” at Warner Brothers Studios! Students enjoyed the full VIP experience as they got to go behind the scenes prior to taping as well as meet some of the contestants and enjoy refreshments.
The taping was hosted by JoJo Siwa and Nick Cannon who were so friendly and accommodating to our group and provided them with a truly electric experience! Our students danced and cheered as they watched some of their favorite up-and-coming celebrities lip sync their hearts out as they took the big stage. We are so grateful to Casey Patterson, Brittany Mehmedovic and the whole team at Casey Patterson Entertainment for their continued support of just keep livin and for providing yet another wonderful experience for some of our Los Angeles students!
Landry Walker HS Wellness Clinic
School has only just started, but JKL members are already making great strides towards improving their health! On August 5th, students from our j.k. livin program at Landry Walker High School in New Orleans participated in the Algiers Community Health and Wellness Expo.
At the event, students had the opportunity to participate in a myriad of free fitness activities and left with their arms full of gifts from various health and wellness vendors, along with valuable information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our members got the chance to partake in Exercise/Fitness Classes, Healthy Cooking Demonstrations, Wellness Screenings, a Blood Drive, Rock Climbing as well as visit a booth that helped place students in careers in the healthcare field. We are so grateful for those JKL members who participated in this event and were able to connect with local organizations within the New Orleans community and gain educational information and resources for healthier living!
JKL Alumni Give Back
We love it when our JKL students cultivate a passion for giving back that they can then take with them even after they graduate! This summer, two of our JKL alumni, Evelyn R. from ASLA and Chris R. from Venice High School, continued to give back to their local community by serving as a camp counselors at Camp Ubuntu – Watts.
This 6 week-long day camp, sponsored by the Harold Robinson Foundation, is held at Markham Middle School in the underserved Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts. Camp Ubuntu seeks to equip students with the tools to achieve, connect and thrive by providing them with access to a meaningful and engaging summer camp experience in a safe and nurturing environment.
When we caught up with Evelyn after camp, she told us, “this is where I realized how big of an impact I have on the future generation because I was able to provide a positive learning experience to the kids. I am not so sure where else I would have had that chance.” Evelyn and Chris both felt that they learned and grew from the experience just as much as the younger campers they were there to help! They were amazed at how any time they needed a hand, there was always someone willing to help! Both Chris and Evelyn are so grateful for the positive experience of being counselors at this wonderful camp and having such a fulfilling experience!
Terranea Chef’s Table Dinner
On Thursday August 24th, the just keep livin Foundation was honored to be the featured charity partner of Terranea Resort’s “Chef’s Table Dinner.” This exclusive event, held in one of the resort’s beautiful villas, was attended by 15 of Terranea’s clients who have a passion for food, wine and giving back.
In addition to receiving a portion of the proceeds from the evening, JKL Managing Director Erica Doyle was invited to attend the event and speak to the guests about JKL’s mission and programs. We would like to thank our water sponsor Icelandic Glacial for bringing us this special opportunity!
Coaches Corner with Jenn Zerling
Partner Workout in the Gym
This one will set your muscles on fire. Recently published in the Huffington Post, this workout can also be viewed on my website HERE.
So grab a partner and go. Get ready to sweat like a pig but look like a super hero. LOL!