Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders
Kalamazoo and New York Jeter's Leaders visit National Institutes of Health By Teeoncey and Maria, Jeter's Leaders Members since 2006 July 2009
.jpg) The New York and Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders arrived at the downtown Embassy Suites Hotel and greeted each other at a pre-arranged pizza party. Some of the Leaders were in Washington D.C. for the first time and expressed their excitement.
.jpg) Dr. Judy Arroyo spoke to the leaders about alcohol and people of color. During this presentation, the leaders learned that alcohol affects people of different ethnicities in different ways. The final presentation of the morning was given by Mr. Aaron White, who spoke about alcohol and adolescent development. All the information was extremely beneficial to the Leaders' mission of remaining drug and alcohol free, and spreading educational information about drugs and alcohol to their peers. .jpg) After the presentations, the Leaders made their way over to the National Library of Medicine. There, the Leaders were taken through a display of information on Global Health. The leaders enjoyed lunch outside then broke into two groups; one group visited the animal research facility while other group enjoyed a demonstration of how the brain is affected by alcohol. After the Leaders long day at the Institutes, it was back to the Embassy Suites to change into evening attire for a formal dinner. This would be the last meeting the New York and Kalamazoo Leaders would have together on the trip. The night was fun for each and every Leader and was a great way for the New York and Kalamazoo groups to say good bye until their next meeting. .jpg) After Howard, the Leaders set off to Georgetown University. This tour included seeing a beautiful Catholic church with stained glass windows. In its early days, Georgetown was one of the schools men could attend if they wanted to become a priest. The tour also included seeing the student center, dorms, classrooms, and the recreation center. .jpg) Next, the group had an opportunity to partake in some historic sightseeing adventures, including visiting the White House, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. A favorite of many of the Leaders was the Lincoln Memorial-nothing could compare to seeing the huge statue of a man who changed history and helped set the slaves free. At the end, the Leaders unanimously commented that they felt the trip was a truly wonderful, enriching experience. Kalamazoo JL graduates attend 13th Annual Turn 2 Foundation Dinner By Clifford, Jeter's Leaders Alumni Member June 2009
.jpg) For the six graduates, it was truly a blessing to be in the Jeter's Leaders program for four years. During a press conference before the Dinner, the graduates were given the opportunity to express their opinions on what the Jeter's Leaders program and the Turn 2 Foundation meant to them, as well as their feelings about Derek and his commitment to youth. Those few moments they had with Derek on the panel provided a forum to give their testimony of the program's positive effect on their lives.
.jpg) When the event began, the Kalamazoo Leaders were joined by the graduating New York Leaders. They were overjoyed to be reunited one final time. Throughout the night, the Leaders got to experience the silent and live memorabilia auctions, mingled with celebrity guests and enjoyed a performance by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. The most thrilling moment of the night, however, was when the New York and Kalamazoo graduates were asked to take the stage and state their name and the university they would soon be attending. After each Leader announced their school, the audience congratulated them with a standing ovation. The recognition from the entire audience was a moment truly overwhelmed with pride for each of the graduates. While in New York, the graduates were able to further enjoy themselves by doing some shopping at stores in Times Square and on Fifth Avenue. They also had the opportunity to tour Derek Jeter's brand new 24-Hour Fitness training facility. The Leaders decided to add a little indulgence to the trip by heading to Junior's Cheesecake Factory for dessert. "Oh Man! If you have ever had cheesecake, just wait until you have this stuff!" said one of the Kalamazoo graduates. For all of the Leaders it was an experience they will never forget. The graduates look forward to continuing to carry out the program's mission as Jeter's Leaders Alumni members. Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders 2009 Graduation/Induction Dinner By Antonyo, Jeter's Leaders Member since 2008 June 2009
.jpg) As the event started, everyone had time to mingle and greet their fellow Leaders and parents, while enjoying delicious punch and appetizers. This was a great opportunity to get to know the new Leaders. As the night moved on, a wonderful formal dinner was served followed by a special presentation of the end of the year awards, and the graduation and induction ceremonies. The group was honored to welcome the Mayor of Kalamazoo, Bobby Hopewell, as the special guest speaker of the evening. He shared his thoughts about leadership, ways of taking action, and reaching your goals. The evening was made additionally festive with a DJ playing music for everyone to enjoy throughout the night. After the thought provoking speech, awards presentation, and ceremony, the night ended with guests dancing and mingling. The Jeter's Leaders 2009 Graduation/Induction Dinner was a truly memorable event for everyone involved! .jpg) .jpg) Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders visit East Coast colleges and cities By Jeter's Leaders Members Antonyo, Katie, Teeoncey and Terryn April 2009
.jpg) The first school that the Leaders visited was Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The tour of Temple was guided by New York Jeter's Leader alumnus and Temple graduate, Mary, who was proud to show-off her alma mater. She highlighted the diversity of the school and the important role it plays in the culture of the school. After Temple, the Leaders made their way to the University of Pennsylvania. Many of the Jeter's Leaders commented on the beauty of the campus as they approached the school. The tour at UPenn highlighted the history and vast course offerings of this Ivy League University.
.jpg) Next, the group went to Ride the Ducks, a sightseeing tour on a bus/boat hybrid vehicle that shows Philadelphia's sites from a "ducks eye view." Riding the Ducks was a totally unique experience for the Leaders. The captain of the Leaders' duck, Betsy Ross, made sure that this was a fun and interactive experience. As soon as everyone boarded the bus/boat, they received a duck-quacking whistle which everyone got a big kick out of. As Betsy drove from the street into the water, the Leaders were amazed. They had never seen a bus float before. Betsy also challenged other tour guides by playing a "blasting game," where she would drive up to another boat and have everyone blow their whistles to make a loud quacking noise to see whose group was the loudest and most enthusiastic. Of course, no one could top Betsy and the Leaders!
.jpg) After Rutgers, the Leaders were off to Princeton University, another Ivy League school and one of the most prestigious schools in the nation. The grounds were beautiful and many historic parts of the campus were highlighted.
.jpg) After Pugsley's, the Leaders continued the tour with a visit to another prestigious Ivy League school, Columbia University. At Columbia, the Leaders were given an opportunity to mingle and talk with the students. A favorite part of this campus was the impressively immaculate Columbia library. The contrast of the intense quietness with its location in the heart of NYC was really striking.
.jpg) The trip's final day began with a visit to the Turn 2 Foundation headquarters in Union Square. It was exciting for everyone to visit with the New York Foundation Staff and see where they do their work. The group then headed to the South Street Seaport for a special treat. The Kalamazoo Leaders were met by the New York Leaders at Reds Restaurant for an informal group lunch. .jpg) The final event of the trip was a ride on the Circle Line Cruise to see the sights of Manhattan and Brooklyn from the city's surrounding rivers. The unquestionable highlight of the cruise was pulling up right next to the Statue of Liberty, which most of the Leaders had never seen before. The long bus trip home gave the Leaders time to reflect on the colleges, cities, and other sites that they saw, as well as catch up on some much needed sleep! It was a truly great experience that none of them will soon forget! Jeter's Leaders visit the University of Michigan By Dominique, Jeter's Leaders Member since 2008 March 28, 2009 On March 28, 2009, the Jeter's Leaders took a trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan to visit one of the state's most prestigious schools, the University of Michigan. The university is known for being a research institution and the admission requirements and coursework are demanding. The tour was led by Jeter's Leaders alumnus, Lexi, who is finishing her second year as a U of M student. The tour was very informative with Lexi sharing many traditions and unique facts about the university. The Leaders enjoyed an overall tour of the huge campus, which included dorm rooms, cafeterias, classrooms, libraries, computer labs, and was highlighted by a visit to the "Big House," home field of the national powerhouse Michigan Wolverine football team. The Leaders were also especially impressed with the Law Library-part of Michigan's Law School, one of the most well-known and sought after law schools in the country. The most interesting aspect of the tour was seeing the wide variety of architecture on campus, from very modern to old style, traditional buildings. The tour concluded with a stop at the book store where just about everything one would need to survive dorm life could be purchased.
Jeter's Leaders and their parents prepare for college By Teeoncey, Jeter's Leaders Member since 2006 March 15, 2009 There are so many things for high school students to consider when thinking about college. For example, finding the right major, the importance of getting involved in extracurricular activities, choosing a big school or small school, and whether or not you may want to consider schools that are far from home. As part of the Turn 2 Foundation's partnership with Summer Discovery, the Jeter's Leaders Program welcomed two guest speakers to host an informative session on college readiness and preparation. On Sunday, March 15, 2009 the Leaders and their families met with Bob Musiker of Summer Discovery and Rod Bugarin from ApplyWise. Summer Discovery is an organization that introduces high school students to college life through enriching fun experiences on campus during the summer. ApplyWise, a partner of Summer Discovery, is an organization that offers an online college admissions program. Mr. Musiker and Mr. Bugarin discussed many crucial things that can be done in high school to increase chances of both college admission and financial help. Mr. Bugarin has served as an Admissions Officer at Columbia University and offered great tips on how to catch the interest of admission officers. He also spoke about financial aid. The most important thing to learn about is FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. As Mr. Bugarin told the group, "no FAFSA-no money!" The presentation delivered an immense amount of vital information for the Leaders and their families. Everyone left with much more knowledge about the college admissions process and financing than they had before meeting.
Kalamazoo's Walk for Warmth event By Teeoncey, Jeter's Leaders Member since 2006 Feb. 28, 2009 On February 28, 2009, the Kalamazoo Jeter's Leaders participated in a community event called Walk for Warmth. This event is held every year to raise awareness and money for those in the Kalamazoo Community who are without heat in their homes. The Jeter's Leaders recruited a number of their peers to take part in the event to help spread the word. Despite the cold windy weather, the Leaders, along with other organizations and individuals, walked three miles through downtown Kalamazoo. It was an impressive turnout and it was a great sight to see so many youth working to help build awareness of this important issue effecting members of their own community. 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."
Leader receives Boys & Girls Club Award 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! 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." |
 Keep track of homework assignments, projects and other important dates with your official Turn 2 calendar. More »
 Two Jeter's Leaders alumnae, Suewayne Burke and Jaleesa Diaz, have received UNCF scholarships. More »
 Since its launch in 1996, the Turn 2 Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in grants. More »
• 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.
