November 2018 Newsletter
Student Spotlight: Joia White
Joia White is a passionate animal lover, talented volleyball player, and dedicated JKL student. Joia attends Cohen High School in New Orleans.
Since the inception of the JKL program at Cohen, Joia has been an active member, participating in program recruitment, establishing new friendships, trying new experiences, and prioritizing her health. Before joining the JKL program, Joia considered herself lazy. Now, she is committed to working out regularly.
She has also urged her mother to incorporate more vegetables and smoothies into their family meals. Joia is currently a sophomore and we are excited to see her in action, as a leader, over the next two years!
Gratitude Quote of the Month
"I’m grateful that JKL inspired me to give back to my community. I’ve begun to volunteer at an animal shelter and donate blood. Thank you JKL for making a positive difference in my life"
— Jackie, Venice High School
Kayak and Paddle Board Adventure: Austin
On Tuesday, October 2nd, the JKL program from EAC Prep spent the evening building community at The Expedition School, an amazing outdoor adventure school that provides outdoor education, safety training, and medical and aquatic support to the community.
JKL students met David, a visually impaired member of the Expedition School, who helped the kids get out on the water and shared his AMAZING story. The JKL kids were so excited to have their gratitude circle out on the water, in their kayaks and on their paddle boards! It is first time experiences like this that bring a smile to our students faces!
Nashville Predators Foundation Lends a Hand to JKL at Maplewood HS
On Monday, October 8th, the JKL program at Maplewood High School received a very special visit from their sponsor organization, the Nashville Predators Foundation, who came to lend a hand to Maplewood’s campus beautification project.
Together the students and volunteers weeded garden beds, replaced soil, planted two apple trees, a pear tree, carrot seats, lettuce, cabbage as well as some flowers before adding compost to the beds. It was an amazing transformation from the time everyone started to when they finished!
It was magical to bring together several members from the Predators Foundation along with two of team’s players, Freddy Gaudreau and Tony Bitetto, to help our students plant and begin to cultivate their own food on campus.
Also a great big thank you to Adam Yokey and the Martha O’Bryan Center who purchased and delivered all of the items. The event sent a positive message to the students that their surrounding community is there for them!
Austin Students Surprised with Trip to UT Football Game
Go Longhorns! Matthew and Camila shared their University of Texas pride with our JKL students from Akins High School by inviting them to their luxury suite recently for the UT vs. Baylor football game.
The students had a great time enjoying the food in the suite and watching UT win, 23-17!
Red River Celebrity Softball Game
This past month, 60 just keep livin students from our Dallas programs got the chance to attend the 2nd Annual Red River Softball Game where they cheered on JKL Founder, Matthew McConaughey, as he took the field.
Our students had the chance to hang out with our founder, Matthew McConaughey, UT legends Mack Brown and Vince Young , country music star Toby Keith, and the great MLB Pitcher Roger Clemens. The students loved seeing all the celebrities out of their element, competing against each other.
For many of our students this was their first time outside of the Dallas area. The students were so grateful for the experience. JKL is honored to be able to provide these first time moments.
Camila’s Tip for Eating Greens in the Winter
Kale with Apples, Goji Berries, and Warm Pancetta Vinaigrette
This time of the year, it’s not always easy to get enough greens in your diet! Kale is a superfood that is packed with protein and nutrition, and it also happens to be in season in the cooler months. I love to make recipes with kale in the winter, especially this Kale with Apples, Goji Berries, and Warm Pancetta Vinaigrette salad. It’s got a ton of flavor, and is really impressive on the dinner table!
Ingredients:
• 4 ounces 110 grams pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 bag of kale — I usually buy the bag of kale already pre washed and cut! But if you are buying the whole Kale bunch remove the stem and cut into salad size.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 small shallot finely minced (1/4 cup or 40 grams)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 Red Delicious apple unpeeled and diced
• 1/4 cup 35 grams goji berries
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1/2 a small lemon
Shaved Parmesan for finishing
Instructions:
1. Start by softening your kale by drizzling a little olive oil, a little bit of lemon and kosher or flake salt. Massage the kale so that it breaks down just a little, but not too much as this will be a warm salad.
2. Add the pancetta to a large sauté pan set over medium-low heat. Cook until brown and most of the fat has rendered, about 10 minutes. While the pancetta cooks, wash the kale, remove the tough inner ribs, and cut into 1-inch ribbons.
3. Once the pancetta is brown, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the shallots and cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until the shallots are golden around the edges and cooked through.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, mustard, and red wine vinegar.
5. Pour the warm vinaigrette over the kale. Add the apples, currants, and lemon juice. Toss to combine. Use a vegetable peeler to shave large, thin wisps of Parmesan over the salad to finish.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Free Gift with Donation
This month, donate $100 or more to the just keep livin Foundation, and you will receive a free JKL bumper sticker! Donate here.
Swag of the Month
Camo . . . it’s not just for huntin’ anymore. You won’t blend in when you wear this green camo 80/20 cotton/poly hooded sweatshirt. Lightweight and super soft with white drawcord hood and white screenprinted artwork on the front.