Chanel Callin Helps Students and Families Jingle their Way to Healthy Lifestyles

NFHC member, Chanel Callin (orange), helps organize the students for the Jingle Bell Walk

YMCA’s Tiger Academy Charter School hosted its 5th annual “Jingle Bell Walk” event to engage students in making healthy lifestyle choices. The event was coordinated by Tiger Academy’s faculty and North Florida Health Corps AmeriCorps member, Chanel Callin.  The event included all students, faculty, and parent volunteers. Grades Pre-K through 5th were given various Christmas themes (candy canes, Santa, angels, Rudolph, etc.), and students created banners and wore various hats and props to celebrate and show their holiday spirit. Students paraded through the streets nearby the school and completed a 1-mile walk holding their “health awareness” banners and wearing jingle bell necklaces.  Teachers motivated students by singing Christmas carols and spreading healthy messages and merry cheers around the Jacksonville community.

When commenting on the experience, NFHC member, Chanel Callin had the following moving and inspiring comments.  “Serving for the YMCA and Tiger Academy school has allowed me to make being healthy fun! I not only help kids understand the meaning of eating right and staying active, but we do fun events like Jingle Bell Walk that get the teachers and parents involved and healthy. Tiger Academy is more like a community than a school, and the students truly know that being healthy leads to a successful and prosperous life.”

Tiger Academy students with their sign to promote daily exercise at the Jingle Bell Walk

Tiger Academy student at the Jingle Bell Walk carries his sign that gives tips to help other students and families stay health