Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders
By Darius, Kalamazoo Jeter's Leader Feb. 2, 2009
 Sa-Niqua is recognized for her school and community participation, leadership qualities and personal growth. In addition to her involvement with the Boys & Girls Club, Sa-Niqua has been a Jeter's Leaders member for three years, where she has used the strength of both programs to build and shape herself. She has given back by acting as a role model and helping her peers as well as younger children. She has mentored children at the Boys & Girls Club using many of Derek Jeter's 10 Life Lessons, such as "Be Serious but Have Fun" and "Don't Be Afraid to Fail." In reference to one of Derek's 10 Life Lessons -- Have a Strong Supporting Cast -- Sa-Niqua says, "Kids should be able to have friends that want their dreams to come true and want good for them. These are the kind of friends they need to be around to help them with their ups and downs. Positive people around you can help your dreams come true." Sa-Niqua has defined life goals for herself, and she knows that the basis for these goals is academic achievement. School is extremely important to her and she always strives to do her best. She wants to graduate with grades that will gain her acceptance to the college of her choice where she can pursue her plan to become a financial advisor. With Sa-Niqua's focus on taking initiative, responsibility and leading by example, she will turn her dreams into reality. We know Sa-Niqua will make us proud as she continues on her journey to becoming the 2009 Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year! Leaders on the lanes By Antonyo, Kalamazoo Jeter's Leader Feb. 21, 2009 Current members of the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders Program and Jeter's Leaders Alumni came together for a night of bowling and activities at Airway Lanes on Feb. 21, 2009. Even though the weather was against them, the group met nonetheless and had a good time together. Some attendees enjoyed friendly competition on the lanes, while others rode on the bumper cars or played laser tag. The current Leaders were excited to have another opportunity to spend time with the alumni, and the alumni were eager to continue to build their mentoring relationships with the current Leaders. With all of the students' busy schedules, it is difficult to host "an event" where everyone can attend, but it is well worth the effort for those who were able to participate. One Leader commented that he thought "this was a very fun event and a great way to see the alumni once again."
Gearing up for college By Darius, Kalamazoo Jeter's Leader Feb. 2, 2009 On Feb. 2, 2009, Deveta Gardner came to speak to the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders. Gardner is a Career Advisor at Western Michigan University (WMU) in the Career and Student Employment Services Department. She encouraged the Leaders to explore their strengths and consider their personalities and abilities when choosing a career path. She reminded them that a record of academic excellence indicates positive qualities to an employer of a prospective employee. Ms. Gardner administered an on-line survey that suggests careers based on personal questions centered around interest, ability and work ethic. She often uses this tool when working with her college students at WMU. After the self-assessments, many of the Leaders were happy that the program had suggested careers that they were already planning to pursue, while some others were set in a different direction. Ms. Gardner urged the students to continue to explore the vast array of career options and work hard to take steps towards their dream job. Many of the Leaders plan to visit Gardner at the Career and Student Employment Services Center to set their professional goals. Jeter's Leader Receives Community Service Award in Kalamazoo By Gavin, Jeter's Leaders Member since 2007 Jan. 26, 2009
 Danaequa is a person who embraces diversity. Living in a diverse community has allowed her to meet many people and understand the effects of racial injustice and the importance of creating equality. Danaequa's introspective and fair leadership style draws people to emulate her. She is an advocate of teamwork to bring different perspectives together and make positive changes. Danaequa inspires social change in others by speaking and standing up for her beliefs. Through her continued commitment to community service, Danaequa has invested in making the world a better place. When asked her opinion about improving the community, she answered, "I try to be a help to anyone that I can, in any way that I can. I would like for all kids to be a help to the community and the less fortunate than us. I say that because we need to be leaders to these children coming up behind our generation. There are already too many negative role models in this world and we don't need to add to the negativity. Therefore, I think that the little kids would join in the effort if they see us helping in the community and leading by example." The Turn 2 Foundation and Jeter's Leaders Program are proud to work with such an exceptional young person. Danaequa is a role model and true leader of social change. Celebrating the inauguration of President Obama By Katie, Jeter's Leaders Member since 2007 Jan. 20, 2009 On January 20, 2009, the Douglass Community Association hosted an event at Charlie Foster's Restaurant in Kalamazoo, MI to celebrate the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. The Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders were asked to volunteer as greeters. The leaders welcomed each guest with a smile as they walked into the celebration and directed them towards the main room. The atmosphere was very friendly and festive. Throughout the evening, the Jeter's Leaders had a chance to mingle with the guests, introduce themselves, and to talk about the Jeter's Leaders Program. The leaders' participation illustrated to the community that they are involved young people who want to make a difference. The party guests encouraged all of the leaders to continue to work hard and pursue their goals.
Jeter's Leaders participate in WMU's march for MLK Day By Gavin, Jeter's Leaders Member since 2007 January 2009
 The march began at Kanley Chapel on Western Michigan's campus. The participants followed a route past Kalamazoo College, through downtown Kalamazoo and ending at Martin Luther King Memorial Park. The march culminated with a short ceremony, prayer and a balloon release in the park. It was extremely cold but that didn't hamper the pride and enjoyment the Leaders felt by honoring Dr. King. After the march, there was a renewed feeling of respect for both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and for our neighbors who were among the marchers. It was a lot of fun to be a part of this great cultural experience and an honor to celebrate a great man's legacy. Turn 2 students enjoy a Western Michigan University football game By Molly, Jeter's Leaders Member since 2005 November 2008
 The event was just one of many mentoring opportunities for the Jeter's Leaders to serve as role models for the younger students of the Turn 2 Foundation programs. The football game was a great way to support the "home team" and show how the Turn 2 Foundation programs come together throughout the year. This activity, and others like it, has created a special friendship between the participants of the various Turn 2 programs in the Kalamazoo community. Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders Volunteer Time for Loaves and Fishes By Gavin, Jeter's Leaders Member since 2007 November 2008 Right before Thanksgiving, the Jeter's Leaders joined some of the Jeter's Leaders alumni to work with the local Loaves and Fishes organization. Loaves and Fishes operates in Kalamazoo to provide emergency food to those who do not have enough for their family. Many individuals and groups donate food that needs to be sorted and boxed. The Jeter's Leaders helped in the sorting process, and also by gift wrapping some items for other volunteers.
 After volunteering at Loaves and Fishes, the Leaders and alumni members went to one of the best pizza places in town, Bimbos Pizza. We had a chance to watch football on the big screen TVs and just to talk and catch up. It was a good way to end a hard working, fun day. Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders Tour Michigan State University By Michelle, Jeter's Leaders Alumni Member Nov. 22, 2008 On Nov. 22, 2008, the Jeter's Leaders traveled to East Lansing, Mich., to visit and tour Michigan State University. The Jeter's Leaders were greeted by three Jeter's Leaders alumni who currently attend MSU. The alumni led the tour and shared their personal experiences and tips on college life, which made the experience even more enjoyable and educational for the Leaders. This also gave the Leaders a chance to catch up and reminisce with the alumni. Comments from a few of the Leaders who attended: "I got my acceptance letter to MSU the day before, so the tour was really exciting for me. I saw parts of the campus I hadn't yet seen -- dorms where I might be living next year! It was also nice to see some of the alumni who are current MSU students; they did a great job with the tour." -- Ben "The tour gave us a great chance to see some of the alumni. I might consider attending MSU because I was impressed with the diversity." -- Antonyo "MSU has a beautiful campus. I am interested in a career in music and I liked hearing MSU's fight song played on the bells while we were on campus!" -- Dominique "I liked the campus and seeing the football stadium -- home of the Spartans! We got to see the girls field hockey team practicing. It was fun to see alumni, who are now MSU students, and hear about their experiences as college students." -- Gavin
Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders Learn CPR By Antonyo, Dominique and Terryn - Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders Members October 2008 The Jeter's Leaders took part in a CPR training course in October 2008. They were taught the crucial skills of what to do in emergency situations. Ms. Tracy Hover and Ms. Terrie Godde, professional CPR instructors from Life EMS Services in Kalamazoo, administered the training. The Leaders were given instructions on how to perform the procedure and were then assigned to stations to practice. Ms. Hover and Ms. Godde also taught the Leaders how to execute the Heimlich maneuver which can help save people who are choking. This was a new experience for many of the Leaders. It is especially important for the Leaders to learn these skills as they will be working with younger children as mentors and some will also be working with children in their summer jobs and internships. The training was well organized, allowing the Leaders to learn this potentially life-saving procedure step-by-step.
Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders Annual Teambuilding Retreat September 2008 On Sept. 6, 2008, the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders held a retreat to kick off the 2008-2009 program year. The retreat was held at the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, in Augusta, Mich. This wonderful facility offers camping, meeting space and many indoor and outdoor activities. The retreat was an opportunity for the Leaders to reflect on recent activities and evaluate the program as a whole. The Leaders reviewed and discussed the program's rules and expectations. Another topic covered was the appointment of newly elected officers and how new committees would be formed. The group spent a lot of time brainstorming ideas that they would like to see added to the program, as well as how some of the current activities could be expanded throughout the program. The Leaders shared many thoughts including additional speakers for the weekly meetings, college tours, mentoring activities, community service,\ and ideas for group fun. After going over the rules and planning for the new program year, the Leaders headed out for some free bonding time. Sherman Lake YMCA offers swimming, basketball, a game room, a climbing wall, as well as a number of other great ways for the Leaders to spend time together. The weather cooperated, which made being together even more enjoyable.
Guest Speakers Talk About Drugs and Alcohol By Michelle, Jeter's Leaders Alumni Member Sept. 15, 2008 On the recommendation of Western Michigan University's Lee Honor College, Sue Ryder, a licensed therapist, and her guest, were invited to be a guest speaker at the Jeter's Leaders weekly meeting on Sept. 15. Sue specializes in drug and alcohol abuse education and prevention. Last year, she was voted as one of the most interesting speakers by the freshman class at WMU. Before diving into her prepared presentation, Sue asked for initial feedback from the Leaders on the effects of drugs and alcohol on people. After a number of thoughtful responses from the Leaders, Sue spoke candidly to the Leaders, telling them her life story as an alcoholic. She told us about her family history with alcoholism. She knew when she took her first drink that it was not a normal feeling and how this disease robbed her of at least 10 good years of her life. She has been sober now for 23 years and she is having more fun now than she ever did drinking. Sue's guest, also a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, has been sober and drug-free for five years. She started drinking at the age of 14. After being pressured not to drink, she decided to stop, but she then turned to drugs. Both guests explained to the Leaders how addicting drugs and alcohol can be and the horrible effects they have on one's health. They applauded the Leaders' mission and reiterated that drugs are not the way to go and urged the Leaders to stick to their drug and alcohol-free lifestyle. Jeter's Leaders and the Western Michigan University Women's Volleyball By Michelle, Jeter's Leaders Alumni Member July 28, 2008 On July 28, 2008, the Western Michigan University's Women's Volleyball team joined the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders for their weekly meeting. In preparation for the upcoming 2008 Jeter's Leaders Youth Leadership Conference in Arlington, Texas, the Leaders had the special opportunity to present their workshop topics to the WMU Volleyball team. The Teens and Media workshop group presented first, and their presentation, which focused on music, internet and popular culture views of gender and youth, sparked a very lively discussion between the Leaders and the team. After the remaining seven workshop groups from the Jeter's Leaders had a chance to present their workshops, the Bronco volleyball team took some time to share their experiences of playing in Brazil. Not only did the team members have an amazing time playing the sport they love, they were also able to experience the people and culture of Brazil. The team showed the Leaders pictures from their trip and told them stories of how they would trade clothing with the Brazilian teams. The Jeter's Leaders are planning to attend some of the WMU Women's Volleyball matches this fall. Jeter's Leaders Meet with Iraqi Youth July 9, 2008 On July 9, 2008, the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders invited a group of students from Iraq who were being hosted by Western Michigan University's Colleagues International program to join them at their weekly leadership meeting. The Iraqi students had flown over 15 hours from their native country to the United States.  The group also played a few icebreakers. The one game that everyone enjoyed the most was called "Two Truths and a Lie". Not only did the Leaders get to know some the students from Iraq better, they also had a chance to interact with the newly inducted 2008 Jeter's Leaders. All of the students felt that the time the two groups had to spend with each other went by very fast and many didn't want it to end. The Jeter's Leaders gained new friends during the short time the groups had together and they hope to keep in touch with all of the Iraqi students. Spring College Tour 2008 By Michelle, Jeter's Leaders Alumni Member April 2008
 Here's what the Leaders had to say: "The college tour was an amazing experience for me as a freshman in high school; I had a lot of fun visiting all of the colleges." -- Jeremiah  "I love the University of Florida. It's my favorite college ever." -- Zach "Florida A&M University was good in my book, because I love Historically Black Colleges and Universities." -- Daviair "All the colleges were fun to tour. I got some wonderful information from all of them." -- Rasheena "My overall impression of the college tour was wonderful, and it was a great experience. I liked being on the road sightseeing." -- Erika "My overall impression of the Florida college tour was great. I also loved the road trip to Florida." -- Maria "I love the Southern Hospitality that they provided. I love learning about our own culture." -- Clifford Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders Visit Turn 2's T.R.A.M. for Mentoring Activities Feb.-March, 2008 On February 28, 2008, the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders took part in a mentoring activity with the Turn 2 After School program, Three Rivers Area Mentoring -- Extra Inning at Derek's Dugout, also known as T.R.A.M. The children of T.R.A.M. were more-than-excited as the Leaders arrived!  "Mentoring with T.R.A.M. has shown me that those students are the next generation of young role models and they need the guidance to achieve their goals," said Daviair. "As role models we must show them the right path." The next trip to T.R.A.M. was on March 27th, where the Jeter's Leaders took the time to elaborate on Derek's book, The Life You Imagine. In the book, Derek writes about his life lessons for achieving your dreams. "Being serious but still having fun" is one of the life lessons, and that is exactly what the Jeter's Leaders did when they visited the Three Rivers Area Mentoring Program.  After the games, the kids sat down to speak with the Leaders. "I was thinking maybe there is a soft spot in these kids! This experience was W-O-W: wonderful, outstanding and worthwhile," said Sa-Niqua. "I picked these three words because the kids were wonderful. It was very outstanding to see them have fun and it was worth it to spend time with these kids in the TRAM program!" Kalamazoo's Empty Bowls Celebration
This marks the second year that the Kalamazoo community has sponsored the Empty Bowls Project. This event is put on to raise money for local food banks and to build awareness about people in the Kalamazoo community who do not have enough to eat. Community members volunteer to make pottery bowls for the project. Restaurants then donate soup and bread for a fundraising soup dinner, where people purchase one of the pottery bowls to take home.  At the actual Empty Bowls Project, the Jeter's Leaders helped by pouring water and serving bread and soup to those who attended the event. Afterwards, they were then able to pick out their own bowls, which were professionally made by community artists. The whole event was definitely a success and everyone had an amazing time!
Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders Visit Echo Valley, January 2008 January 2007 On Saturday, January 19, 2008, the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders went to the winter recreation center, Echo Valley.  When the Leaders finally tired out and were freezing from the fun, they were able to go to the lodge and drink hot chocolate to rest and warm themselves up. "It was awesome! It was even greater to be around each other and just chill and have lots of fun together, enjoying each other's company. I loved Echo Valley and would love to go back any time, with the right gloves and boots."
Jeter's Leaders Holiday The Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders had an exciting, action packed week-end on December 14 and 15, 2007. First, the Leaders helped plan and execute the Kalamazoo Turn 2 Holiday Express, a holiday party for over 300 children created by Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation to reward children involved in Turn 2's Signature Programs. The Leaders help set up a special holiday carnival night at the Douglass Community Association in Kalamazoo, MI on Friday, December 14. They greeted the children and escorted them down the red carpet to the entrance of the building. The leaders served as mentors and role models helping implement the carnival games, serving food to the participants and as elves, coordinating a surprise visit from Derek and Santa who gave special holiday gift bags to everyone. On Saturday, December 15, 2007, the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders and their families attended a luncheon at the Radisson Hotel & Suites in Kalamazoo. The Jeter's Leaders program staff along with Derek Jeter and his family addressed and ate with the entire group to discuss the state of the program and future initiatives. Following lunch, the group was broken up, as parents and guardians stayed to have a discussion with the program staff along with Dr. and Mrs. Jeter, and the Leaders themselves had a private meeting with Derek to discuss the program and to hear first hand from Derek his goals and expectations for each of them. The event and meetings were a huge success with a lot of important questions asked and answered, as well as positive and enthusiastic discussion. Town Hall Meeting and Healthy Relationships Workshop "Town Hall Meeting" with Law Enforcement Officials Youth violence and police/community relations have often been identified by the Jeter's Leaders as issues of concern to them as well as other teens. Upon the suggestion of the Leaders and with the help of the Kalamazoo City Manager's office, a "town hall meeting" with police officers and the Jeter's Leaders was held. Five police officers met with the Jeter's Leaders at the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce. There was open and lively discussion about the work of the officers, their role as protectors in the community, how individuals can help them, opportunities to learn more about public safety and how to prepare for a career in law enforcement. It was an effective question and answer session for all parties involved. It was also a great way for the students to get to know the police officers as individuals. Healthy Relationships Workshop Recently, the Jeter's Leaders in West Michigan were fortunate to be able to hear a presentation on healthy relationships, dating and domestic violence. The Turn 2 Foundation arranged for staff members and experts from the Office of the Mayor of the New York City's Office to Combat Domestic Violence to travel to Kalamazoo to present the workshop. The students participated in an interactive workshop where they were asked to communicate and role play. This was an extraordinary program in which all of the Leaders came away with great information and new perspectives about healthy lifestyle choices, healthy relationships, role modeling, responsibility, communication and taking initiative. They were given crucial information on how to help a friend or loved one in a vulnerable situation. Nutrition Workshop at the Radisson with Chef Wayne Wells Nov. 19, 2007
The Jeter's Leaders each made a dessert for another Jeter's Leader to eat after dinner. After creating desserts, Chef Wells gave the Jeter's Leaders a lesson in making a nutritious salad with the assistance of Daviair, a junior in the Jeter's Leaders program, which was served with a Chicken Alfredo dish and dinner rolls. After this workshop, Jeter's Leaders expressed how much they enjoyed the Radisson with Chef Wells. The workshop reinforced part of the Jeter's Leaders' mission, to live a healthy lifestyle, and Chef Wells told the Jeter's Leaders what it takes to make it in the culinary industry. Chef Wells advised the Jeter's Leaders to continue to work hard and take advantage of the opportunities that are given. He expressed that a Chef can make a pretty good living and there is a need for young, talented chefs in the industry. Halloween By Molly, Jeter’s Leaders Member since 2005 Oct. 27, 2007
The Jeter's Leaders had a blast doing various jobs throughout the evening. Some of these jobs include handing out candy, scaring the participants, and making decorations for our trail. This project was a success and proved that the Jeter's Leaders can work with other organizations and accomplish our goal, which in this case was to make the night unforgettable for the kids. Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders Fall Retreat 
This year, the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders and Staff enjoyed their Team Building and Planning Retreat at Sherman Lake. This three-day Retreat marks the official start of the program year. The retreat sets the tone for the year, establishes an attitude of collaboration among the Leaders, and provides educational and recreational experiences that promote social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. This retreat provides one of the first opportunities for new and returning Leaders to work together with the goals of setting the annual programming calendar, electing officers and determining committees. During the retreat Leaders participate in team initiatives, challenge courses, sensory awareness activities, hiking, outdoor living skills, and boating. The teambuilding retreat occurs only during the off year of the Summer Leadership Conference.
Katie, Jeter’s Leaders Member since 2007, reflects: "When we first got there, we were in our little groups with the people we knew. By the end of the day everyone was interacting and making new friends. One good thing about this retreat was that not everyone goes to the same school and we had time to spend with each other.
The Sherman Lake Retreat was a blast! The Jeter's Leaders got to know a lot more about each other. We really clicked and played some really fun strategy games. Jeter's Leaders also taught some games they had learned in other groups. I personally really liked this retreat because it made me feel a lot more comfortable with the people in the program. If I could do this again, I would do it over and over because it was tons of fun! The Jeter's Leaders program is great and I'm happy to be a part of it because I get to do amazing events like the Sherman Lake Retreat." |
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• Sights & Sounds |
On November 19, 2007, the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders joined Chef Wayne Wells in the kitchen of the Radisson Hotel & Suites in Kalamazoo, Michigan to take part in a workshop on nutrition.
On October 27, 2007, Jeter's Leaders teamed up with Youth United Way to host a Haunted Halloween Trail. Our trail was part of a family event for the community hosted by the Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department.
As a part of the day, we did a ropes course. We all had to work together to make sure no one fell; it made us trust each other so much more. This is a very important thing. The new Jeter's Leaders were very involved on their first trip with the program and since I was one of them, I would say it was a very good experience. Most people just wanted to hang out once they got to know each other and felt comfortable. The retreat was well planned and should be a part of the program every year.
