Summer 2013 Recap
As we begin to ease in to the 2013/14 school year and kick off the Chicago YSA Fall programming, we want to offer a brief summary of summer activities and provide recognition to a few of our valued partners. Please take a minute to read the highlights below.
Fall is also a good time to renew your support to Chicago YSA. Whether you commit to volunteer your time or make a cash donation, every little bit helps as we look to finish out the year strong and expand upon our upcoming 2014 curriculum. Please see the links on the right side of this newsletter for more information on how you can help make a difference today!
Perspectives Charter Schools Summer Camp
For the second consecutive year Chicago YSA provided the financial support necessary for Perspectives Charter Schools to offer children on the south side of Chicago the opportunity to participate in organized summer athletic programs. More than 220 students participated across eight different week-long sports camps led by Perspectives staff and high school athletes. The summer program was offered co-ed and free of charge to all participants. Enrollment at the camps this year was opened to students from surrounding schools as well, offering a unique community program in a neighborhood that provides few affordable opportunities for organized athletics during the summer months.
Vinay Mullick and Javon Mamon took the lead in organizing the summer camps, enlisting the help of several coaches from middle school and high school athletic programs. Select high school athletes also helped in coaching the younger campers, providing a positive mentorship dynamic and offering the student athletes valuable leadership experience.
Chicago YSA Summer Camp Scholarships
New to Chicago YSA's programming schedule in 2013 was the Chicago YSA Summer Camp Scholarship program. Consistent with our mission to promote personal development and achievement through athletics, along with a commitment to providing positive opportunity in underserved communities throughout the year, Chicago YSA was pleased to sponsor full scholarship to top tier athletic camps for several deserving students at YSA partner schools this summer.
A total of 10 scholarships were awarded to students grades 2 through 8 who exhibited exceptional commitment both on and off the field during the 2012/13 school year. Each recipient was required to receive nomination from a staff member at their school, meet academic achievement benchmarks and submit an essay on why he or she deserved to be awarded a camp scholarship.
2013 Summer Camp Scholarships Recipients:
Marcel Berry - 3rd grade LEARN Charter (Matt Forte Football Camp)
Marquel Berry - 2nd grade LEARN Charter (Taj Gibson Basketball Camp)
Edgar Camargo - 3rd grade UNO Charter (Matt Forte Football Camp)
Isai Camargo - 5th grade UNO Charter (Matt Forte Football Camp)
Raul Diaz - 3rd grade UNO Charter (Matt Forte Football Camp)
Jayden Gasby - 6th grade Perspectives Charter (Taj Gibson Basketball Camp)
Dajuan Gordon - 6th grade Perspectives Charter (Taj Gibson Basketball Camp)
Stephon Jones - 8th grade Perspectives Charter (Taj Gibson Basketball Camp)
Sherman Jordan - 3rd grade LEARN Charter (Matt Forte Football Camp)
Nick Lewis - 8th grade Namaste Charter (Brian Kelly Football Camp)
Anthony Davis Returns to his Alma Mater
Chicago native and NBA basketball star Anthony Davis returned to his high school Alma Mater, Perspectives Charter Schools Joslin Campus, last month to unveil a new basketball court that his $65,000 donation helped to build. Davis graduated from Perspectives just recently, finishing high school in 2011. His success on and off the basketball court has been a source of pride for the charter school, which teaches its Disciplined Life Education Model, a school culture and that helps develop positive self-perception, healthy relationships and personal productivity.
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