SkyWell at Skyline presents Peace Neighborhood Center and Alpha House Shelter with a donation of $2000 each

As part of a statewide effort to improve physical activity opportunities during remote learning, the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology contracted with the SkyWell Club at Skyline High School to prepare 52 one-minute videos for high school students. The project began in November 2020 and will be completed this academic year.

With coordination from 5 Healthy Towns Foundation and supporting videos from students at Chelsea, Manchester and Stockbridge high schools, students created a variety of stretching, flexibility, and cardio conditioning videos that teens can use without a gym or workout equipment. Videos from the project, called 60 Seconds with SkyWell, can be accessed on Skyline’s Health and Medicine YouTube channel and soon on Vimeo.

Proceeds from the project, paid through a grant from InPact@Home, gave the SkyWell Club student members pause. They decided through a vote to donate part of the monies to two local organizations who are working in the community to support students and families.

SkyWell student Evelyn Carroll presents the check to Alpha House CEO Ellen Schulmeister.

On May 12, 2021, a $2000 donation was given to each organization and presented by senior Skyline students Alison Marshall, Evelyn Carroll, and sophomore Nina Taleb Bendiab.

These thank yous came from professional staff at Peace Neighborhood Center and Alpha House in Ann Arbor.

From Peace Neighborhood Center: “Thank you (and the students) for this generous and thoughtful contribution to support Peace’s work. This gift comes at a fortuitous time – over the next year, Peace is looking at developing an in-house clinical mental health support arm to provide free counseling to youth in our programs. Much-needed, in the wake of the pandemic.”

SkyWell Student Alison Marshall presents the check to Peace Director Bonnie Billups.

From Alpha House: “We are extremely honored to have been selected to benefit from these funds.  It has been a difficult year for our families as they navigate this unusual new normal.  Housing, employment, childcare, and education have all been hugely impacted by the pandemic.  Your donation will go a long way in helping the families who come to us for shelter and support.”

Next year, SkyWell Club will continue its student wellness mission with a focus on stress, sleep, and nutrition. For additional information, contact lead teacher Dusti Vincent at vincentd@a2schools.org.

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