By Sherry Harbert | Communications Director
More than 100 fourth and fifth graders at Faubion School were introduced to MIKE Program through a health leadership project by ninth graders last week. With no single classroom large enough to hold everyone, De La Salle North Catholic High School youth Cesar, Autumn, Mallory and Damauricean moved their presentation to the gymnasium. The teens were a bit overwhelmed at first, but as their younger peers eagerly watched and listened, they realized how their effort could impact others.
Once youth progress to the final weeks of MIKE Program, they are tasked with developing a health leadership project. Each mentor team creates a project that advocates for health in the community. Many of the teens elect to return to former schools to promote their versions of healthier lifestyles to a younger generation.
During this semester with MIKE, one group of youth at De La Salle North Catholic High School became fascinated with human anatomy. They were intrigued about how their bodies worked and wanted to explore ways that would help elementary students understand basic human anatomy.
When their mentor Kim pulled out a long sheet of craft paper, Cesar placed it on a table, then jokingly climbed on top and invited his peers to trace around him. In an instant, everyone agreed on their project theme. After the first trace, they decided to enlarge the overall outline to present an image that would extend above all of their heights. “That way everyone will notice,” said Cesar.
Kim guided the youth through research to help them draw the skeleton structure inside the traced outline. The youth realized they needed an issue to help their young audience grasp the content, so they searched for information on maintaining healthy bones. “It’s important especially when we’re still growing,” said Cesar.
He and his teammates took turns creating their now six-foot tall image, each adding layers to give a colorful representation of the human skeleton.
During their presentation, each youth describes a section of the skeleton. They ended with ways to stay healthy. “Health is even important for your bones!” said Cesar.
The MIKE youth were greeted with applause after the presentation. As the Faubion students streamed past the youth to return to their classrooms, Cesar exclaimed, Wow, they really listened!”
MIKE’s health leadership projects are only possible through support by individuals like you. Your support can truly have far-reaching effect in the health of others.
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