Having The Courage To Be Different -- The Ginn Academy: Spring Update 2015

Hello, Ginn Academy supporters! Thank you for checking in to learn about what has been happening at our school. We've had a busy few months with all of the usual activities plus an artist collaboration, our Empty Bowls event, and the HealthCorps health fair.

First though, we have some very exciting news! We are proud to announce the first Ginn Academy student to be accepted into the United States Military Academy. Zaccheus Knight, Ginn Academy Valedictorian, class of 2015, was recently accepted to West Point. Rising seniors, Darnell Harsley and Demann Wilson, will attend a summer internship at West Point.

Ted Ginn, Sr., Ginn Academy senior Zaccheus Knight, and Captain Jamal Robinson, United States Army and Glenville graduate. Photo courtesy of Hazel Parker.

Ted Ginn Sr., Zaccheus Knight, and Jaime Irick, West Point graduate and Friends of Ginn Academy board member. Photo courtesy of Hazel Parker.

The last update mentioned our collaboration with Cleveland Foundation Creative Fusion Artist, Dale Yudelman and Waterloo Arts. A dozen or so of our boys worked with Dale, a photojournalist from South Africa, over the course of a month learning about street photography, which is Dale's forte. Their work was then displayed along with his at a show at Waterloo Arts gallery -- quite an opportunity for them!

Photojournalist Dale Yudelman with aspiring Ginn Academy photographers

Photo club with Dale Yudelman in Cleveland's Public Square

Two Ginn Academy teachers, Ms. Kincaid and Dr. Walters, came to view the students' work in Dale's show at Waterloo Arts

Three of the students who participated in the photo club

Soon after the photo club project, Ginn Academy hosted its 4th annual HealthCorps health fair, led by HealthCorps coordinator, Ms. Terrika Kelley. Health Corps is a nationwide initiative that was created by Dr. Oz and his wife, Lisa. We are so fortunate to offer this program to our students. Local funding is provided by Forest City Enterprises and The Cleveland Clinic. Thank you to all of the community organizations that took the time to educate us this year.

The health fair is planned by all students, grades 9 through 12, over a three month period. Its objective is to empower students to apply concepts learned throughout the year.

This year's theme was the Wild Wild West

One of Ginn Academy's most dedicated volunteers, pediatrician Dr. Ernest Smoot talks with a group of 10th graders

Rebecca Reynolds, Certified Health Coach, Full Circle Wellness, chats with Ginn Academy supporter, Albert Ratner

Life coach Rob-J

The HealthCorps coordinators spend 1-2 years in a school teaching the advanced health education curriculum. We are thrilled this year to have Ms. Terrika Kelley join us. When asked to talk a little about her background and her feelings about the work she is doing, she replied with the following:

Terrika Kelley, Ginn Academy HealthCorps coordinator:
After completing my master's degree in criminal justice I joined a wonderful team in Montgomery County, Ohio (Dayton) as a Juvenile Probation Officer. Working nearly 4 years serving youth in Dayton, Ohio and eagerly wearing multiple hats, it was only a matter of time before I truly tapped into my purpose. Giving thanks to Eric Shafer, the former Director of Juvenile Services, who allowed us to creatively express ourselves through developing unique programming to the youth in our county, my passion was truly beginning to form full circle: Wellness-Nutrition-Youth!

I wanted to learn more about nutrition. EVERYTHING aligned… timing was right for me to say my goodbyes and begin the next chapter of my life. School AGAIN! Years later, I’m at the end of the road to finishing my degree in nutrition. The opportunity with Healthcorps just feels right. No better way to connect my need to serve youth and passion for wellness!

On the same day as the health fair, Ginn Academy sponsored its 2nd annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for our neighbor, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Art teacher, Judy Rickel, started this tradition last year when she instructed her students in making and painting ceramic bowls for the event. With a donation of $10, guests chose from a variety of delicious soups made by our staff and Bistro 185, and took home a handmade bowl. Thank you to the National Council of Jewish Women's Thriftique store, which donated the linens.