January 2019 Newsletter
Student Spotlight: Keila
JKL member Keila from Antioch High Schools has had 100% attendance since the program’s inception in 2016. “I’m grateful for the JKL program and I love all the amazing people I now have in my life”. The gratitude circle, community service events and fitness activities have been the motivation for her dedication to the program.
The gratitude circle has allowed her to take time to reflect on life and the things she has taken for granted. Community service events like the Tennessee Titans coat drive have had a huge impact on Keila, especially knowing that she is making a difference in her community.
Outside of JKL, Keila has been attending a young teacher’s certification program since the 10th grade and aspires to become a marriage and family therapist. Since this is her senior year, Keila is planning on taking advantage of every single JKL opportunity. We look forward to seeing her shine in our program this year.
Gratitude Quote of the Month
"I’m grateful for life because it must be enjoyed at all times, every minute counts!"
— Jose, East Austin College Prep High School, Austin, Texas
Sorting Coats for Those in Need with the Tennessee Titans
We want to thank the Titans organization for making this opportunity possible!
The JKL students at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee spent two days at Nissan Stadium collecting coats from fans and sorting the coats for people in need. They collected over 800 coats and got to celebrate by watching the Titans beat the Patriots! It was a great experience for the students to give back to their community and attend an NFL game.
JKL Students Meet Reese Witherspoon at the Texas Conference for Women
On October 24th, members from our JKL program at East Austin College Prep attended the 20th Annual Texas Conference for Women. This amazing event provided connection, motivation, networking, inspiration and skill building for our girls and those who attended.
The mission of the Conference for Women is to promote, communicate and amplify the influence of women in the workplace and beyond. At the event, our students were able to connect with some of the keynote speakers, including award winning actress and producer, Reese Witherspoon. Our students walked away with empowerment, personal growth and a chance to connect with various organizations!
Farmers Markets Across the Country
From New Orleans to Los Angeles, our JKL programs have had fresh fruits and veggies on their minds! Our Warren Easton & Landry Walker New Orleans programs recently took a trip to the Crescent City Framers Market and Grow Dat Farms. There, JKL students met with local farmers, learned about the growing process of the fruits and vegetables, and even got to sample some of the fresh produce!
In Los Angeles, our Manual Arts JKL program recently helped run a farmers market for their fellow students and surrounding community. They picked fresh veggies from their own garden and partnered with other local nonprofits to bring an array of healthy items to the school quad, where their peers and neighbors could stop by to take home some complimentary groceries. JKL students provided tasty samples of fruit smoothies and held push-up and plank challenges for those who wanted to break a sweat to win a prize.
LA Students Serve Families at the Children’s Institute Winter Festival
Each year, the Children’s Institute holds a holiday extravaganza complete with gifts for kids, a caroling performance, pictures with Santa, face painting, bounce houses, and more! The JKL students volunteered their time to serve meals to the families in attendance, and assist with all of the fun activities for the kids. It was a great way to celebrate giving back to the city during the holidays.
Cleveland Students are Crazy for the Cavs!
We wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers for inviting our students to attend their recent home games at the Quicken Loans Arena .
The Cleveland Cavaliers are committed to positively impacting important social issues in their community in the areas of education, health & wellness, and youth development. With The Cavaliers Organization’s generous donation of tickets, they have provided many of our JKL students the opportunity to attend a Cavs game for the first time ever!
We are grateful for your partnership and helping to foster a sense of pride among our JKL students! Go CAVS!
Camila’s Tip: Cinnamon Baked Apples with Nuts + Coconut Sugar
This time of the year there is a LOT of refined sugar in everyone’s diet. Instead, try Camila’s Cinnamon Baked Apples with Nuts + Coconut Sugar. They are easy to make, taste amazing and use coconut sugar so they are a healthier way to enjoy dessert!
Ingredients:
4 organic apples
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup coconut sugar
2 tbsp organic butter
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a paring knife or apple corer, remove the stem and seeds from the apples, making a deep hole where the filling will go.
2. Combine the coconut sugar, butter and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well to combine. Add the nuts. Spoon the mixture evenly into each of the apples.
3. Add 1/4 cup of water to a baking dish and place apples on top.
4. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
5. Spoon the sauce drippings from the pan over the apples.
Beller Nutrition Recipe of the Month
Sesame Snow Peas
Rachel Beller MS, RDN
This recipe is so simple, so flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser! With just 4-5 ingredients, you can quickly make a satisfying lunch for yourself after coming home from school, or use this recipe to impress your friends and family. I personally love garlic! If you’re a garlic lover too, mince 1 clove, and add it in with the snow peas.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or sesame oil
6 cups snow peas
1-2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional:
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or 1 clove garlic, minced
Directions:
1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the snow peas and cook, shaking the pan around and stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Pour in soy sauce and sesame seeds and cook another 1 minute. Serve.
Swag of the Month
We want to see you sportin’ your JKL gear so remember to submit your photos to www.justkeeplivin.com