Sunday, June 29, 2025
Home Blog Page 80

Full Moon Yoga and Morning Yoga with Cocoyogi at The Seagate Beach Club

Delray Beach, FL – This Spring, unleash your inner warrior god/dess during Full Moon Yoga and Morning Yoga at The Seagate Beach Club in Delray Beach. The intimate oceanfront destination offers weekly and monthly yoga classes on its private golden beach along with postcard views of the Atlantic Ocean and bottomless inner peace. 

Full Moon Yoga

April 23, 7-8pm

May 22, 7-8pm

$20pp

Open to the Public

Unplug, relax, and unwind during The Seagate’s full moon yoga class in Delray Beach. Held monthly on The Seagate Beach Club’s private beach, the 60-minute nocturnal Vinyasa yoga flow class taught by Cocoyogi’s Corey Heyman will help build strength, stamina, flexibility, and concentration. Classes feature a lunar meditation, moon salutations and yoga poses, followed by a moonlight cool down. Guests should bring a mat. Towels and Fiji water are provided. Open to all levels. For more information, visit seagatedelray.com/events. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/full-moon-yoga-tickets-328825194007.

Morning Beach Yoga

Every Saturday

8-9am

$20pp

Open to the Public

Get your weekend dose of Vitamin Sea at The Seagate’s sunrise beach yoga class in Delray Beach. Held weekly on The Seagate Beach Club’s private beach, the 60-minute morning Vinyasa yoga flow class taught by Cocoyogi’s Corey Heyman will help build strength, stamina, flexibility, and concentration. Classes feature creative postures, meditation, and pranayama (breathwork). Guests should bring a mat. Towels and Fiji water are provided. Open to all levels. For more information, visit seagatedelray.com/events. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/sunrise-beach-yoga-tickets-336433921917.

The Seagate Beach Club is located at 401 South Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 330-3775 or visit seagatedelray.com.

JUDY LEVIS KRUG BOCA RATON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2024 AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS

Boca Raton, Fla. – (April 3, 2024) – The Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (BRJFF), proudly presented by the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC (Levis JCC), announces this year’s top winners for Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Best Short and overall “Best of the Fest.” Attracting over 3,000 attendees, Boca Raton’s original film festival is heralded as a premiere destination for Jewish and Israeli films by filmmakers and audiences alike. Films were screened at Cinemark Bistro Boca Raton and XD, Movies of Delray and the Levis JCC.

This year, more than 40 diverse feature-length films, documentaries and shorts were judged based on the overall quality, message effectiveness, entertainment value and audience popularity, among other criteria. 

“Our festival thrives on the depth and diversity of Jewish storytelling, bringing to light the stories that resonate with our shared history and today’s challenges,” said Nina Rosenzweig, JLKBRJFF Screening Committee Chair. “Each film selected is a testament to the universal themes that connect us.”

Top winners in each category include:  

Best Narrative Films:

1.   Bau: Artist at War – Based on the true story of Joseph and Rebecca Bau, whose wedding took place in the Plaszow concentration camp during World War II. This film is a war drama/love story/espionage tale, even more relevant at a time when survivors are dwindling, and the Holocaust is slipping from memory.

2.   Irena’s Vow – 19-year-old Irena Gut, promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer in Poland, discovers the imminent liquidation of the Jewish ghetto. Determined to help, she shelters 12 Jewish workers in the safest place she can think of – the basement of the German Major’s house. Irena uses her wit, humor and courage to hide her friends as long as possible.

Best Documentary Films:

  • 1.     Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre – This documentary unravels the dramatic and traumatic events at the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7th, featuring footage from multiple sources and intimate first-hand accounts from survivors, first responders and parents. This film was also awarded overall “Best of the Fest” winner. 

2.     Between The Stone and the Flower – This film covers the incredible journey of Genie Milgrom and her decades-long quest for her Jewish lineage, from a traditional Catholic family in Spain to an Orthodox Jewish life. 

3.     J’Accuse – A brutally honest expose about the ongoing systemic antisemitism in Lithuania and a passionate demand for justice.

Best Short Films:

1.   Merv – After a romantic setback, Simon meets his grandmother’s new boyfriend, Merv, whose presence transforms his understanding of love, loss and even Chinese takeout.

2.    Jack and Sam – Chronicles the reunion of two Holocaust survivors after 80 years, sharing their time to rekindle their friendship and teaching others about the dangers of hatred.

3.    I See You – A poignant portrait of Danny Layani, who regains his sight after 25 years of blindness, only to face new challenges that test his resilience and alter his perspective on life.

“Supporting this film festival and our year-round programming is a privilege for me, as it allows our community to celebrate the richness of Jewish culture,” said Judy Levis Krug, Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Grand Benefactor. “Each year, we’re reminded of both the power and importance of bridging gaps and connecting us more deeply to our roots and each other.”

The 9th annual BRJFF is slated to run February 8, 2025 – March 1, 2025.

The Levis JCC is committed to fostering continuous engagement with culture, education and community through film by offering year-round programming. The ongoing schedule can be found at https://levisjcc.org/filmfestival/events/. Films are screened at the Levis JCC unless otherwise noted. Tickets are $12.  Programming for its Summer of Culture to be updated onhttps://levisjcc.org/culture  as programs are confirmed. 

For more information, contact Lisa Barash at lisab@bocafed.org or call 561-558-2514. The Levis JCC is located at 21050 95th Avenue S. in Boca Raton. 

About the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival 

The mission of the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival is to provide the newest, most stimulating and thought-provoking films that encourage audiences to expand their awareness and understanding of the Jewish world and engage in dialogue to explore the many diverse perspectives portrayed by the films presented. Due to generous donor support, the Festival has been able to expand, offering year-round Jewish-themed film programming.

“Ears” all you need to know about the 24th annual Sweet Corn Fiesta

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Freshly harvested corn, grown locally and prepared hot and buttery, is what the Sweet Corn Fiesta is all about. Now it its 24th year, the one day only event will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd.

Palm Beach County grows more sweet corn than any other county in the U.S. Local farmers cultivate more than 27,000 acres annually. That’s cause for celebration, the impetus behind the fiesta, letting residents know the importance of this crop. 

The event will feature live music by two bands — Andrew Morris Band and Krystal River Band — along with a green market, children’s games, and corn shucking and corn eating contests.

“This year we have a surprise for the kids but they’ll have to attend the event to see what that is,” said Ann Holt, who founded the Sweet Corn Fiesta.

The event culminates with the National Sweet Corn Eating Championship presented and sanctioned by the International Federation of Competitive Eaters, Inc. During this grueling yet quick competition, Major League Eaters from across the country challenge themselves by consuming Florida sweet corn ears for 12 minutes. The total prize purse is $6,100 broken down as follows: 1st – $2,500, 2nd – $1,500, 3rd – $1000, 4th – $600, 5th – $300, 6th – $200. 

Last year marked the rise of a new corn queen, Miki Sudo, consuming a jaw-dropping total of 52 ears of corn in just 12 minutes. She dethroned the 2022 champion, Gideon Oji, by just half an ear of corn. Carmen Cincotti holds the world record of 61.75 ears.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free to kids 5 years old and younger. Parking is free. Proceeds benefit agriculture education/advocacy programs and Glades area food banks. 

For those who can’t attend the Sweet Corn Fiesta, boxes of sweet corn will be available just outside of the entry gates for $25. One box holds about 48 ears. Attendees may purchase the same size box for $20. 

About Yesteryear Village

Yesteryear Village is a living history park nestled on 10 acres at the South Florida Fairgrounds,9067 Southern Boulevard, in West Palm Beach. The park showcases early, original and replicated buildings and artifacts from days gone by. There also is the Sally Bennett Big Band Hall of Fame Museum — the only big band museum in the United States. Group and school guided tours are available by request. Call 561-795-3110 to schedule a tour. Special events, photo shoots, weddings, and corporate events also are available. Call 561-790-4908 for additional information and to reserve the facility.

The Sound of Music: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens presents Youth Music and Culture Summer Camp and Traditional Japanese Music Workshops

Delray Beach, FL – Kids who are passionate about music and enjoy cultural pursuits will march to the beat of their own drum this summer at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

Starting Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28, from 9am to 4pm, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will transform into an educational playground of incredible sights and sounds during its Youth Music and Culture Summer Camp. The immersive, five-day camp is open to students in grades 3 through 12. The curriculum features a rotating mélange of musical theory, history, culture, instrumental instruction, and an introduction to Japanese traditional arts. Classes will include memorizing basic Japanese phrases, kanji (Chinese numbers) to read sheet music, and learning to play traditional musical instruments like the taiko (drum) and koto (13-string zither). Camp will conclude with a recital concert by the campers alongside their instructors for their families. Cost is $295 per person. For more information, visit morikami.org/event/youth-summer-music-and-culture-camp

The Morikami will also present Traditional Japanese Music Workshops for children and adults on Saturday, June 29 through Sunday, June 30, from 9:30am to 12:30pm (Youth Grades 6 – 12 and Adult Beginners); and 1:30pm to 4:30pm (Intermediate). The two-day intensive workshops will focus on the 13-string koto and are taught by renowned music instructor Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto. Cost is $200 per person. For more information, visit morikami.org/event/japanese-traditional-music-workshops.

All materials and instruments will be provided. 

Camp photography HERE

Photo credit: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

Congress Should Throw Service Dog Programs A Bone

0

By Dr. Robin Ganzert

Congress has averted another government shutdown. But often lost in the shuffle during these multi-trillion-dollar budget battles are appropriations for lifesaving veteran programs that employ wagging tails to heal invisible wounds of war. Policymakers should consider throwing these types of initiatives a bigger financial bone. Current funding for veteran service dog initiatives is scant.

For example, the 2021 Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act created a five-year pilot program in select cities where service dogs would be implemented into veteran treatment programs. However, the initiative has been plagued with funding hiccups, and eligibility remains extremely limited. Although good in theory, the program has so far fallen short.

More veterans need help now — not years down the line. Veterans are navigating a crisis of epic proportions. Untreated or undertreated mental health conditions are leading former service members to an early grave. In a particularly sobering statistic, more veterans have died of suicide than from combat since the September 11 terror attacks. Meanwhile, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 24 former military members take their lives daily. 

A growing body of research confirms what former service members have anecdotally said for years: specially trained service dogs can act as a lifeline in these cases. A wagging tail can play a significant role in helping veterans recover and readjust to a more normal life after returning from the battlefield.

A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that veterans — as well as first responders — suffering from post-traumatic stress demonstrated fewer symptoms when accompanied by service dogs. In addition to companionship and emotional support, these animals can help detect and then interrupt flashback episodes — stopping panic attacks, intense shaking, and heart palpitations early on.

At American Humane, we’ve seen firsthand how service dogs can benefit former men and women in uniform. 

Through the Pups4Patriots program, dogs in search of forever homes are trained to be lifesaving service animals for veterans suffering from the mental wounds of war — all free to the veterans. Success stories are plentiful. Last year, for example, an Army veteran who participated in the program graduated from college after being paired with a lifesaving service dog.

Unfortunately, the current level of government resources committed to programs like these — even when combined with the generous support of private donors — is not cutting it. The problem is just too big. Fortunately, a path forward has already been introduced. The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act is legislation establishing an annual $10 million grant program to support nonprofit organizations that train and pair service dogs with veterans.

It is through private-public partnerships like these that we can truly make a difference in the lives of veterans struggling with mental health.

Lawmakers in Washington continuously butt heads about funding the federal government. Amid the debate, Congress should consider appropriating a small fraction of that money to provide veterans with a healing leash. In the grand scheme of a $6 trillion federal budget, it is a small price to pay to save heroes in uniform.

***

Dr. Robin Ganzert, a West Palm Beach resident, is president and CEO of American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization.

Join the Wellington Community Foundation for an Unforgettable Derby Celebration

0

at Diamante Farms Dressage!

Wellington, FL – April 3, 2024 – The Wellington Community Foundation is thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable Derby celebration at the stunning Diamante Farms Dressage on Saturday, May 4th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the legendary race as you don your finest hats and dapper derby attire for an evening of elegance and excitement.

This event is more than just a party; it’s a fundraiser for a cause close to our hearts – The Wellington Community Foundation. Your ticket purchase will directly support our efforts to uplift and empower the local community, particularly benefiting Wellington Seniors, Children, and Veterans in need, as we strive to improve their quality of life.

Doors will open and guests will be welcomed from 4:00 PM onwards for pre-party Mint Juleps, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Tickets are priced at $200 per person and can be purchased through our website at www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

Highlights of the event include:

Live Viewing: Catch all the action of the Derby on our big screen.

Mint Juleps: Sip on the traditional Derby drink, crafted to perfection.

Delectable Delights: Indulge in full culinary delights prepared by Chef Gardo Vincken. Photo Opportunity: Capture memories with our themed photo booth.

Horse Race: Choose the winners and get a chance for your raffle to be chosen for one of our grand prizes. Don’t miss out on the most talked-about Derby party in Wellington!

Reserve your spot now and be part of the “Run for the Roses” excitement while supporting the Wellington Community Foundation.

Event Details: Date: Saturday, May 4th, 2024 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Doors open at 4:00 PM)

Location: Diamante Farms Dressage, 11223 Acme Road, Wellington, FL

For more information and ticket purchases, please visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org

For press inquiries or media passes, please contact:

Dawn Rivera, Executive Director

Wellington Community Foundation

wellingtoncommunityfoundation@gmail.com

561-281-3603 c I 561-793-7606 o

About The Wellington Community Foundation:

The Wellington Community Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the Wellington community. Through various initiatives and partnerships, we strive to support education, healthcare, arts, and culture, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for all residents. Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for Wellington.

Mission: The Wellington Community Foundation, Inc. is a charitable 501(c)3 organization committed to benefiting Wellington Seniors, Children, and Veterans in need by supporting and improving their quality of life, so that together we can help “Build A Stronger Community”.

GARDEN PARADISE at MORIKAMI

Sunset Stroll at 

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Spring into summer during Sunset Stroll at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens on Thursday, April 18, from 5:30–8pm. 

Enjoy a spectacular twilight procession through the Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew, and explore the peaceful Yamato-kan, the Morikami’s original museum, during the annual after-hours event series. 

Highlights will include the Sean Danconia Pop Surreal Art Show and Sale, Japanese calligraphy name fan creations, docent-led garden tours, Brewsaki beer and Niigata Selections sake tastings, and Asian-inspired cuisine by Ramen Lab EateryKaminari RamenKona Ice, and the Cornell Café

There will also be live taiko drumming performances by Fushu Daiko and a “Harajuku meets Otaku” fashion show presented by OtakuFest in the museum’s theater. The colorful world of Harajuku Fashion, born on the streets of Tokyo, is an artistic movement of self-expression that intersects with sub-trends like otaku fashion, celebrating a passion for anime (Japanese cartoons), manga (Japanese comic books), and all things pop culture.

Additional Sunset Stroll dates include May 23, June 13, and September 12. Each event will have its own theme.

Cost is $5 for members, and $10 for the general public. Tickets will be available for purchase online starting April 1, 2024.  

Space is limited. Rain or shine. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

For more information, visit morikami.org/event/sunset-stroll

Sunset Stroll sponsors are JM Family EnterprisesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC, and OtakuFest.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

About Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese art and culture in South Florida since opening in 1977. Morikami invites guests to discover its South Florida history, connection with Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens, each inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening. Visitors experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through revolving exhibits, distinctive educational programs and seasonal events, a world-class bonsai display, Pan-Asian cuisine, and an eclectic museum store. Morikami Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

APRIL PROGRAMMING AT THE MALL AT WELLINGTON GREEN 

WELLINGTON, FL – This April, The Mall at Wellington Green will kick off the Spring season with a plethora of exciting, family-friendly programming. From dinosaur-themed Kid’s Club parties and baby fitness classes to nautical adventures in the Florida Keys, there is something for everyone at Wellington’s favorite mall.

Wrecking in the Florida Keys Lecture 

Friday, April 5

6:30–8pm

The District at Wellington Green

Free

The South Florida Chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America and The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History are pleased to present “Wrecking in the Florida Keys.” Hosted by Robert Feeney, Curator of Material Culture & Technology at The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, this special lecture will illustrate how the wrecking industry in the 1800s made Key West one of the wealthiest cities in the US. Guests will also have an opportunity to view the navigational tools and artifacts related to wrecking, the intrepid practice of saving the crew and cargo from shipwrecks along the Florida Reef. Refreshments served. For more information, visit pbmnh.org or call (561) 729-4246.

Kids Club Dino Roars

Saturday, April 13

11am-1pm

Grand Court

Free

Dinosaur loving kiddos should join the Kids Club for this exciting event, hosted in partnership with the Palm Beach Museum of Natural History. Children will become archeologists for a day as they search for fossils in the museum’s dig pits, plus enjoy a dinosaur puppet show, balloon art, and face painting. Kids can also get their photos taken with a 14-foot dinosaur and take home a real fossil of their own! 

Mommy & Me Spring Fling

Wednesday, April 24

10:30-11:30am

Grand Court

Free

Kids five and under are invited to The Mall at Wellington Green for a morning full of engaging, spring fun! The Mommy & Me Spring Fling will include themed crafts, musical entertainment, and refreshments. 

Zumbini with Regina Rossi

Every Wednesday 

11–11:45am

The District at Wellington Green

$135 for 6 classes (includes music app to download songs) 

Shake and shimmy with your baby at Zumbini! This fun, early childhood education program uses the power of music and movement to promote cognitive, social, and motor skill development for children ages 0-4. Register at zumbini.com/instructor/Regina-Rossi/806. For more information, email Zumbini instructor Regina Rossi at RME411@gmail.com or call (561) 244-0282. 

Zumba Dance Party with Jaime

Every Saturday

10:30–11:30am 

The District at Wellington Green

Free

Livin’ La Vida Zumba! Enjoy The Mall at Wellington Green’s fun, dance fitness party program that combines high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance. 

OneBlood Blood Drive

April 12, 13, and 24

11am-6pm

East Parking Lot

The Big Red Bus will be parked in the East Parking Lot and will be accepting blood donations. Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save three lives, and donors will receive a Chick-fil-A gift card. For more information, visit oneblood.org

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com. 

Roadside Attractions: Weird and Wonderful

As a life-long road tripper, I’ve seen my share of roadside attractions. I can’t resist a stop. As a result, numerous roadside attractions across the United States and Europe make their way into my travels. This month I’m sharing some of my favorites with you. You’re welcome!

A Classic Route 66 Attraction

Perhaps one of the most recognized roadside attractions in America, Cadillac Ranch is the brainchild of a group named Ant Farm. Founders Chip Lord, Doug Michels, and Hudson Marquez often made use of popular USA icons as a strategy to display the trends in current cultural imagery.

Sponsored by and installed on the property of Texas millionaire Stanley Marsh 3, Cadillac Ranch began when 10 Cadillacs were driven into his field. Half-buried, nose-down in the dirt, the Cadillacs supposedly mimic the same angle as the Great Pyramid of Giza. They face west in a line, chronologically from the 1949 Club Sedan to the 1963 Sedan de Ville, their tail fins held high for all to see. The exhibit serves as a tribute to the rise and fall of American culture – just like the rise and fall of the Cadillac tail fin.

At the time of the burial in 1974, minimal thought was given to preservation. As a result most of the cars no longer have doors, tail lights, or bumpers. Initially, people scratched their names into the paint. Today everyone brings spray paint and adds their own interpretation to this iconic exhibit of Americana.

World’s Largest Working Fire Hydrant

They say everything’s bigger in Texas. The 24-foot-tall Dalmatian-spotted fire hydrant standing in front of the Fire Museum of Texas in Beaumont confirms the rumor. Donated to the city by Disney to mark the re-release of the animated movie 101 Dalmatians in 1999, the 4,500 lb. hydrant can blast 1,500 gallons of water a minute. The big dog doesn’t stand alone. Twelve small Dalmatian-spotted hydrants also surround the square.

A Remote Alaska Igloo Attracts Wild Guests

Driving along Alaska’s Parks Highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks you expect to see epic landscapes, snow-covered mountains and possibly wildlife. You might not expect to see a giant four-story concrete igloo. Originally intended to be the Igloo City Hotel, this 1970s structure couldn’t meet building codes at the time. So now it sits abandoned at Mile Marker 188.7, littered with graffiti and occasionally occupied by the wild locals – bears, moose and wolves.

Art in the Desert

Driving into the small town of Borrego Springs, CA at the edge of Anza-Borrego State Park, unexpected large-scale artwork dots the landscape. The vision of the now-deceased Dennis Avery, the founder of Avery Labels, 130 metal sculptures are scattered across the Galleta Meadows Estate. You’ll find dinosaurs, giant insects, camels, wild horses and Nessie the Loch Ness Monster among the sculptures. Avery commissioned artist and welder Ricardo Breceda to craft these intriguing sculptures. The art legacy Avery left behind is a local treasure and a surprising find in this desert landscape.

Forever Marilyn

Wander the streets in the heart of Palm Springs and you’ll find yourself staring up at a larger-than-life sculpture of Marilyn Monroe. Forever Marilyn captures the essence of the star’s magnetic charm and allure. This larger than life sculpture serves as a testament to her lasting impact on American popular culture.

Cheese Please

America isn’t the only place with roadside attractions worthy of a stop. In Sweden I happened upon the world’s largest cheese slicers. Although Norway gets credited as the origin of the cheese slicer, Sweden gets to claim the world’s largest title. You’ll find these eye-catching kitchen tools between the cities of Umeå and Skellefteå just outside of the tiny town of Ånäset in an area known as the Kingdom of Cheese. Admittedly, it is difficult to depart from a place known as the Kingdom of Cheese. But, at least I had the opportunity to photograph two 23-foot-tall, 1,800 pound cheese slicers. Priceless.

Keep Your Eyes on the Moose

Sweden may claim the giant cheese slicers, but Norway claims an equally impressive moose. A drive down Norway’s route E3 delivers views of scenic forests, waterfalls and mountains. It also serves up a mega moose. Standing at just over 32 feet tall, Storelgen, the majestic moose was created as a rest stop for road trippers driving between Oslo and Trondheim. It also offers a not-so-subtle reminder for drivers to keep an eye out for moose along the road.

National Student Athlete Day on April 6th

By Jamie Levin

National Student Athlete Day, April 6, is not just an opportunity to honor the athletic prowess of our student-athletes, but also to recognize the dedication, resilience, and leadership qualities they exemplify both on and off the field. This annual celebration recognizes the extraordinary contributions of student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their sport, while also excelling academically and serving as positive role models within their communities. From early morning practices to late-night study sessions, these individuals exemplify the values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Local organization Student ACES, a 501c3 with the mission to create Champions, shines a light on the remarkable impact of these high school student-athletes and has been doing so since 2013. 

Since inception in 2013, Student ACES (ACE: Athletics, Character, Education) has shaped the leaders of tomorrow by creating a pathway for young men and women to achieve the highest standards of leadership. Through customized character education programs, incorporating the 9 ACES core values – Command Respect, Honor Your Word, Aspire to Greatness, Maintain Courage, Possess a Work Ethic Second to None, Inspire Others, Own a Winning Attitude, Never Settle, Sacrifice for Self and Team – student-athletes have the opportunity to engage with one another and learn through the application of case studies in an interactive environment.

“As we commemorate National Student Athlete Day, we are reminded of the incredible dedication and perseverance displayed by student-athletes across the nation,” said Krissy Webb, Executive Director of Student ACES. “Within our Student ACES program, these exceptional individuals not only excel on the field but also serve as mentors to one another and leaders in their communities. Their commitment to academic excellence, sportsmanship, and character development sets a shining example for us all. Today, we honor their achievements and celebrate the profound impact they have as role models, both on and off the field.” 

The organization was founded in 2013 by father-daughter team Buck Martinez, who today is the president of the board, and Krissy Webb who oversees the organization as Executive Director. The inspiration for Student ACES stemmed from their desire to see every student achieve a foundation of leadership that would generate positive outcomes and tremendous success in the students’ lives. 

Character education programs provide the foundation upon which Student ACES creates Champions and shapes the leaders of tomorrow. Through customized programs, student-athletes throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties have the opportunity to engage with one another as they develop into Champions. 

Beyond the accolades and trophies, National Student Athlete Day serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing athletic pursuits with academic excellence. Student-athletes juggle demanding schedules, often waking before dawn to train, attending classes throughout the day, and dedicating countless hours to their studies. Their ability to manage these competing priorities with grace and determination is a testament to their extraordinary character and work ethic. And let’s not forget that they are often looked upon as role models and carry a responsibility to exude positive behaviors. 

Moreover, National Student Athlete Day underscores the invaluable lessons learned through sports participation – lessons of teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and sportsmanship that extend far beyond the playing field. These qualities not only shape the lives of student-athletes but also prepare them for success in their future endeavors, whether in their chosen careers or as contributing members of society.

As we celebrate National Student Athlete Day, let us pause to applaud the unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements of these outstanding individuals. Their passion, drive, and commitment inspire us all and serve as a testament to the boundless potential that lies within each and every one of us. Today, and every day, let us honor and support our student-athletes as they continue to reach for the stars and make a difference in the world.

For more information about how to get your student athlete involved in Student ACES, visit www.studentaces.org