In Limerick Appreciation of Coach Samantha

There once was a student in Scores
who saw doing poems as chores.
She met a new coach
who took a new approach.
Now, she likes writing much more.

In need of referees...as a haiku

We need referees
to be guides and champions
for soccer children

Booyah!!!

That's right! Booyah!!! We have officially started programming at all the elementary schools with Palms Middle School waiting in the wings. The Braddock Elementary coaches are all returning veterans and leave little to no worries for the office. Palms Elementary has a new model to go by. We have hired four more alumni coaches to oversee the boys soccer teams: Rodrigo Luis, Cristian Lazaro, Cristian Lopez, and Luis Sanchez. Each boys team will feature two of these coaches who have all been members of the LA Scores Alumni Coaching Team for a few years now. We are thrilled at the potential that these new coaches bring with them and look forward to seeing their teams on the upcoming game days (10/21). We, here at America Scores LA, hope everyone is having a great school year so far and we are on pins and needles as we await the beautiful future.

The Seasons Are Upon Us...

Nothing like a rainy day to flood we toiling souls at LA Scores with vast waves of optimism as the soccer season looms a mere seven days away. If it seems like I'm laying it on thick, it's only because I am excited. EXCITED!!! Last night, we held our Fall Coach Training at the Boys and Girls Club of Venice (the very same place we hold our weekly alumni indoor games) and the coaches were able to meet one another and schmooze and have pizza. Cant ask for more than that. Our Training attendees held many veterans with the exception of Shannon Huang, the Americorps Vista I mentioned in the previous entry; Nahoul Gonzalez, who is the new girls coach at Charnock Elementary and the first LA Scores alumni hired to be a coach; and Samantha Kowalski, who is joining the company as a new poetry coach at Palms Elementary. The coaches seem to be happy with the organization, but the organization is certainly happy with the team of coaches who will help lead America Scores LA to the next evolutionary stage.

So It Starts...

America Scores LA has the honor and privilege of starting its tenth year of programming in the Palms community. Yesterday morning, LA Scores staff members were up bright and early to be at Charnock Elementary in order to register students in the program. Unbeknownst to us, the word has gotten out about the program because we ran out of the 200 applications we printed for the morning. With such a high demand for our service, we are happy to welcome our new Americorps Vista, Shannon Huang, who has quickly rendered herself invaluable in the machine that propels this program. When you see Shannon in the office, at the schools, at the upcoming game days, give her a big hug and thank her for her help thus far. We are extremely excited to continue working with Shannon as she brings new ideas to make this program better for all the students. I would like to take this time to give Shannon a digital hug. And squeeeeeeeeeeeze...feel the love...feel the appreciation. Stay tuned, Scores fans. This school year is just beginning.

Inaugural Inspired Art Event was a Success!

A few months ago, America SCORES LA hosted its first ever Inspired Art Event. The Project offered a unique way to bring to life the words of ASLA poet-athletes. Local artists signed up to create and donate original pieces inspired by the poetry of the America SCORES LA poet-athletes. Through this cycle of inspiration and influence, our students were able to witness their creativity brought to life, artists were able to build connections with diverse communities around the city, and SCORES' supporters were able to see the profound impact our youths' words can have on others.

On a Thursday evening in April, SCORES supporters gathered at the Bank of America Plaza in downtown Los Angeles. By reading the poems, by seeing the art, by sharing in this experience, and by giving a child the chance to be heard and recognized, our guests joined us in the interplay between voice and vision. All of the 27 art pieces, which ranged in media from acrylic to a sculpture to a pillow, were featured in a silent auction alongside the poems that inspired them. The evening also featured an open bar of beer and wine and appetizers. All of the proceeds from the event will directly support America SCORES LA programming.

A special Thanks goes out to the SCORES Development Board who took on majority of the planning for this inaugural event and all of the Starbucks event volunteers. Also, a big shout-out goes to the incredible group of talented, passionate and generous artists who made this event possible--and the youth that inspired them!

Thank you to Thad Somoza, Kevin Zhang, and Geoff Nangle for making a video of the event. CLICK HERE to view the video on YouTube

Helping Japan

On March 29^th 2011, LA Scores students from Charnock Elementary School did their part to help the children in Japan affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami. After learning about the current situation in Japan, they drew pictures and wrote messages to the children there, who as a result of this tragedy became displaced from their homes and are now living in orphanages and evacuation shelters. They even practiced writing the word “smile” in Japanese in the hopes that it would make them do just that. Their beautiful cards and pieces of art were given to an organization called Artwork for Heartwork, a group that aims empower children around the world to help their peers in need. Their artwork has already been sent to Japan and hopefully our efforts help lift their spirits and encourage them to stay strong during such a difficult time.

Good Luck Japan!!!