May 2019 Newsletter
Student Spotlight: Roshawnda Gongs, Roosevelt
In the past, Roshawda was a shy individual who struggled with low self-esteem due to being picked on at school but now she is more vibrant than ever. New friendships, Community service trips to local nursing homes, opening up during the gratitude circle and hearing guest speakers from Action in Africa and Howard speak are a few highlights that have had huge impacts on her.
“Roshawnda, is the epitome of student excellence, she is what most students inspire to be as both student and scholar. She constantly reminds me of why we do the work we do”- Mr Moore. Roshawnda’s level of dedication is unmatched as she is actively playing school sports each semester and stills finds time to embrace the jkl program. She frequently brings new students to join also.
After her high school chapter is done, Roshawnda is looking forward to studying business management and hope to opening up her own hair salon in her community. We know Roshawnda will be an amazing adult and we look forward to witnessing her growth.
Gratitude Quote of the Month
"I am thankful for having a great team and coaching staff who has helped me get better in my races and competitions."
— Crystal, Sophompore
Mack, Jack & McConaughey 2019 – That’s a Wrap!
The just keep livin Foundation team just got back from several days in Austin, TX for our annual “Mack, Jack & McConaughey” (MJ&M) fundraiser.
This is our 7th year partnering with University of Texas coaching legend Mack Brown and recording artist Jack Ingram on this joint fundraising effort to help empower kids throughout Austin and beyond.
The festivities consisted of several fun-filled events including a golf tournament, a Monique Lhuillier fashion show hosted by Camila, and two nights of live music featuring performances by Chris Stapleton, Holly Williams, Wade Bowen and many more – including our very own Mr. McConaughey on the bongos!
MJ&M enjoyed hosting more than 5,000 guests for two days of the best in music, golf and fashion while raising record-breaking funds for the charity beneficiaries.
An Inspiring Visit From Icelandic Glacial
Drinking lots of water is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and our partners at Icelandic Glacial – “the purest tasting water on Earth” – make it a lot easier to keep our JKL students hydrated!
The company has generously donated water to our programs nationwide for the past few years, and our JKL students at Huntington Park High School in Los Angeles were thrilled to welcome their CEO, Reza Mirza, as a Guest Speaker. Reza spoke to the students about growing up in India and how he got to where he is today.
He shared a lot of insight and advice such as when he admitted that “there were a lot of people smarter than me, but none that out-worked me.” He also encouraged students to surround themselves with people who are optimistic, driven and who push you to be more. Reza even offered to personally help students with interview skills! We are so grateful for this partnership and were honored to hear from Reza and his team.
Manual Arts Guest Speaker
Guest Speaker Michelle Hammerman, former owner of Bare Bones (a clothing company), has a mission was to reduce chemical pollution waste through up cycling and the use of fruits and vegetables as natural dyes.
Michelle brought a colorful interactive presentation to our Manual Arts jkl students. Michelle spoke on the importance of up cycling, the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, and unwanted products into new materials. Our jkl Students had a chance to create their own naturally died tie dye shirts using Avocado pits (brown color), Madder Root (orange color) and Log wood (purple). The process to get these colors was similar to making a big pot of tea, but with a lot more patience.
This was such an eye opening experience and new creative way for staff and students to make their own clothing. We are greatly appreciative Michelle Hammerman for taking to the time to share and demonstrate such wonderful knowledge with our Manual Arts jkl students and staff.
JOINT JKL CAMPING TRIP TO GUADALUPE STATE PARK:
Thirty of our jkl students and instructors from our Austin jkl programs at EAC Prep and Akins enjoyed a fun filled weekend camping trip to Guadalupe State Park.
While there, students learned fire building, how to pitch a tent, outdoor cooking as well as important items to remember when enjoying the great outdoors like leaving no trace principles behind in the campsites or on the trails. Throughout the weekend, activities included, Geocaching, hiking, team building activities, swimming, fishing, star gazing and even some morning yoga! For some of our students, this was their first time camping and for all, it was a weekend to remember!
Beller Nutrition Recipe of the Month
Mango Berry-Go-Round
Rachel Beller MS, RDN
Imagine breakfast in a tropical paradise, and this breakfast smoothie bowl comes pretty close! (Beach sold separately.) With its bright boost of vitamin C, it’s actually as sweet for your body as it is for your taste buds. Also, mangos may contribute to glowing skin, a healthy digestive system, and help to keep your brain sharp during school. This is an easy and on-the-go meal that can be made in less than 3 minutes. You can also make this as a refreshing dessert for warm, sunny days.
Makes: 1 serving
Ingredients:
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
• ¼ avocado
• 1 cup mango, frozen
• ½ cup strawberries, frozen
• ½ cup raspberries, frozen
• 1 tablespoon protein powder
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
Toppings: (optional)
• 1 tablespoon slivered almonds
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened coconut flakes
Directions:
1. Put all ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.
2. Add toppings (if using).
Swag of the Month:
Mechanic Shirt: “Workin for a livin”
Check out the JKL “Workin for a Livin” Mechanic Shirt worn by Matthew McConaughey himself in Carpool Karaoke with Snoop Dogg! Don’t miss out, get yours now!