Dreaming Big in Jericho Circle
“Dreaming Big” was the theme of the dynamic Summer Academic Workshop (SAW) held Sep. 12 at the AHA community of Jericho Circle. Hosted by 50 Northwestern students in partnership with Triple Threat, the ½ day workshop focused on Athletics, Academics and Arts. Over 125 Jericho Circle students ranging from elementary to high school age participated. Youth were challenged to think where they’d like to be in 20 years and what it will take to get there.
The NU team was led by SAW Coordinator and Miss Kankakee River Valley, Jeniece Fleming. Serving with Triple Threat staff, were Blaine Roatche, Doug Lambert Jr. and Doug Lambert Sr. from Aurora Elite Basketball. Miss Illinois Erin O’Connor arrived to support students, encourage learning and even jump rope with the girls!
Athletic activities featured baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and Nike Sparq Training. In the Art session students recorded their future dreams in journals and portrayed their vision through artistic expression. Even the Academic tent was a happening area, stocked with Power Bars, energy drinks, snacks, etc…to be “earned” by students completing Academic exercises. Learning exercises included multiplication “Tricks with Math,” memory strategies to remember state capitals, and more. Students had fun and gained confidence while acquiring new learning skills.
The event ended on a high note – literally – when Jericho and Northwestern students performed together in a talent show. Singing, dancing, poetry, written composition and artwork, were among the student talents celebrated within the theme of “Dreaming Big.”
A big thanks from Jericho Circle and Triple Threat to the Northwestern University team, volunteers and our sponsors Nike, PowerBar®, and Boost Mobile for making “Dreaming Big” possible.