First impressions may not always be right. My visit to Harlem this week proved that.
The Children’s Storefront is an independent, tuition-free school in Harlem serving preschool through 8th grade students. This year, students and teachers at The Children’s Storefront are part of a school-wide wellness transformation project led by two California State University Chico professors.
Annika, her husband Mike and I, along with team leaders from SPARK and The First Tee, visited the school on Monday as part of this wellness project. What we found were passionate educators and 175 precious, curious kids.
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| Another Annika Sorenstam in the making? |
Annika spoke to the kids about the importance of being active, eating right and the values that sports can teach you.
SPARK graciously donated its award-winning physical education program to the school. The First Tee did the same by donating its National School Program, which teaches kids golf skills, life skills and Nine Healthy Habits.
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| About to try out their fun new SPARK program! |
The kids were very polite and well-mannered. They ate one of the healthiest lunches we’ve ever seen in a school and cleaned up their own plates when they were finished. The students liked having visitors interested in them and their great school.
These kids were from some of the poorest families in New York City, yet I have never seen students so spirited and happy.
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| Working together-don't drop the ball! |
I remember driving through Harlem a few years ago. Before our visit to the Children's Storefront this week, I admit to having a spoiled impression of the city. All I could remember was the slums and outdoor basketball courts fenced in with barbed wire.
My impression of Harlem has changed.
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