SquashSmartsNews |
SqSm VIP Night @ The US OpenMonday, October 21, 2024 @ Arlen Specter US Squash CenterAs a part of SquashSmarts continuing 25th Anniversary Celebration series, 400 students, alumni, family members, community leaders and friends joined together for SquashSmarts Annual VIP Night @ The 2024 US Open Squash Championships... where everyone's a VIP! Following an on-court ceremony, the record crowd cheered on Team USA, World #4 and SquashSmarts Committee Member Olivia Weaver to a 3-0 victory in her Round of 32 match.
SqSm Night @ The PhilliesTuesday, September 11, 2024 @ SquashSmarts Lenfest Center500 students, families and friends turned out to root on the Phillies and celebrate the start of SquashSmarts 25th Anniversary year of programming! The special night at Citizens Bank Park featured: SquashSmarts annual Board of Directors meeting in the Phillies draft room; a ceremonial First Pitch thrown by SquashSmarts supporter Shanin Specter; and the premier of This is SquashSmarts, a new promotional PSA video (below) aired on the stadium's Jumbotron to the crowd of 42,000.
New College Squash ClubsThursday, September 19, 2024 @ SquashSmarts Lenfest CenterSquashSmarts is working with three local universities -- Community College of Philadelphia, Eastern University and Temple University -- to launch a series of student-lead College Squash Nights at the Lenfest Center!
A group of 40 students and faculty -- including players of all ages and abilities -- came out for this free squash and social gathering open to all undergraduates, graduates, faculty and staff. Special thanks to The Carnegie Corporation of New York, The College Squash Association, and The Philadelphia Squash Racquets Association for supporting these Community Squash Initiatives! For more information, contact Sierra Jones at 215-221-6860 / [email protected] 2023 BLBB BestShotBall
April 22, 2023 @ Arlen Specter US Squash CenterOn Saturday April 22nd, 400+ friends from the SquashSmarts community rallied for our annual BestShotBall charity fund raising event, raising over $330,000 in support of our youth mentoring and workforce development programs (photos below) Congratulations to our Graduating Seniors and Special Thanks to Title Sponsor BLBB Charitable and to the following individuals:
Keynote Speaker: Destine McCleary, SquashSmarts 12th Grader Keynote Speaker: Toni Fields, SquashSmarts Parent Pro Doubles Exhibition: Gina Stoker, Chris Longman, Lauren West, John White Pro Singles Exhibition: Olivia Fiechter, Olivia Clyne, Todd Harrity & Andrew Douglas Winning Charity Team: Merion Cricket Club! Complete Fund Raising Results By Team "Not Your Country Club's Squash Team"
March 23, 2023 by Jessica Blatt Press, The Philadelphia Citizen
City kids playing squash? The nonprofit SquashSmarts has combined the sport with academic and social support as a college and career launchpad for hundreds of Philly kids...
Late afternoon sunshine streams through the oversized windows on the second floor of the Lenfest Center on North 10th Street, rising like a glistening sail among a sea of rowhomes in Hunting Park. The start-of-spring vibes are matched by the exuberance of students enjoying a typical weekday at the North Philly headquarters of SquashSmarts, the nonprofit youth sports and academic program that recruits kids from five middle schools in North and West Philly and serves them through high school and beyond, providing them with a uniquely holistic after-school program. Students — there are currently 160, split between this and a West Philly site — arrive from school via free transportation (shuttles for middle schoolers, SEPTA for older kids). They receive free meals, then change into SquashSmarts-provided sneakers and grab a SquashSmarts-provided racquet. Full Article SquashSmarts Hosts 2023 Urban Team Nationals
February 2023
SquashSmarts, the Squash and Education Alliance (S.E.A.), and US Squash hosted 450 student-athletes playing on 90 teams from twenty-one S.E.A. member programs as part of the 2023 Urban Team National Squash Championships held February 10-12 at Philadelphia's Arlen Specter US Squash Center and University of Pennsylvania Squash Center.
Congratulations to Philadelphia's SquashSmarts who captured the Girls Middle School Title! Urban Team Nationals: Seen & Heard
"Everyone was on their feet cheering each other on!" "The level of play and sportsmanship was impeccable" "Seeing the impact of the program real-time was well worth the weekend visit." "So uplifting to see the kids in action supporting each other and pushing themselves" "SquashSmarts is our #1 school partner. No one communicates, follows through or offers the same level of programming they do." 2023 Urban Team Nationals:
Special Thanks... Alumni: Sharee Alston, Tempest Bowden, Monisha Das, Aiden Greene, Armede Hardrick, Sierra Jones, Theresa Moloy-Brinkley, Jaydin Robinson, Dubois Stewart, Francisco Torres-Vega , Davir Tyler, Colesto Williams, Myles Young and Sean Allen Parents: Kam Boyer, Carmen Craig-Williams, Toni Fields, Candi Goldate, Robin Hatten, Maira Machado & Aaron Greene, Anthony Ortiz, Adriane Polen, Lamont Smith, Derrick Williams, Kiyona Wright and Temwa & James Wright. Friends: Anita & Jeff Beck, Steve Buckley, Radhika Cobb, Joyce Davenport, Jason Davis & Family, Frank Devine, Eileen Diskin Flaherty, Jim Domenick, Anne & David Ford, Jr., Daniel Goroff, Karen & George Gowen, Samantha Heliodoro, Chase Lenfest, Kate Mahajuodeen, Andy Nehrbas, Angie Pabon, Molly Pierce, Emma Powers, Daphne & Frank Rowe, Kali Schellenberg, Karen Stait, Susan Thomas, Leonard Travis and (photographer) Rachel Wiznewski 2023 Urban Team Nationals: SquashSmarts Results... Full Draws & Results
Philadelphia Launches New Public Squash League
February 2023
The new Philadelphia Public League (PPL) Squash – a joint venture between The School District of Philadelphia, SquashSmarts and US Squash – celebrated its inaugural season on Thursday, February 23rd with the culmination of the PPL Individual and PPL Team Squash Championships at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.
Six new public school squash teams representing seven schools competed, including: Esperanza Academy, George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, Julia R. Masterman High School, Parkway West High School, Philadelphia High School for Girls and Science Leadership Academy (SLA) Beeber and Center City. The PPL Girls Individual final was an all-SLA Beeber affair with Destine McCleary edging teammate Kaylin Johnson in four games. Carver No. 1 Zachery Greene claimed the PPL Boys Individual title without dropping a game, defeating Masterman’s Ajay Sheth in the final. Masterman swept both PPL Team competitions with the girls team defeating Girls’ High 7-0, and the Masterman boys claiming a narrow 4-3 victory over Carver. Record Crowd Attends SquashSmarts V.I.P. Night @ US Open
October 11, 2022
Published by Squash Media on October 11, 2022
SquashSmarts, the award-winning Philadelphia youth enrichment program, celebrated its past and future at the 2022 U.S. Open Squash Championships presented by Truist. More than 360 SquashSmarts staff members, students, parents, donors, advisors, and board members attended the SquashSmarts VIP Night, celebrating the ongoing success of the program while enjoying the display of world-class squash at the U.S. Open. During an on-court ceremony before Team USA squash star Amanda Sobhy took the court for her Round of 16 match, Steve Gregg, Executive Director, welcomed the large crowd to the Arlen Specter US Squash Center. He spoke movingly about a half dozen close friends and supporters of SquashSmarts who in the past few months had passed away, including Louisa Dubin, Mike Gooding, Sam Howe, Frank Reidy and Jen Wales. Debby Dowlin, SquashSmarts’ Development Director, thanked the entire SquashSmarts family in attendance, including the more than 250 team members and their families and friends. She then introduced Eddie Rosario, a seven-year team member of SquashSmarts. “There is always something new to learn every day,” Rosario said, “and the best part about SquashSmarts is getting to do more and be more. That’s what SquashSmarts’ drive is all about. We teach kids to step outside their comfort zone, to be more than what they could dream to be, and to give it their best shot trying.” Photos from Squash Night @ The Phillies
September 20, 2022
Philly SquashSmarts Hosts 2022 Urban Nationals
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SquashSmarts Team Rosters
High School Boys A1
Zachery Greene 3.99
Francisco Torres Vega 3.67
Jonathan Hernandez 3.16
Jose Higareda 3.11
Ismael Kazzaz 3.18
High School Boys B2
Justin Lane 3.12
Damon Core 3.06
Gerard Heard 2.67
Ty'Jai King 2.34
Alexavier Rivera 2.61
High School Boys C3
Noah Minor-Wright 1.41
Sean Allen 1.50
Axxel Gabriel Castillo 1.50
Jackson Miller 2.51
Kal-EL Thomas 2.24
High School Girls A1
Niyanna Fields 3.50
Theresa Moloy 3.43
Angelica E Burgos 3.57
Alliyah Banks 3.04
Kayla Atkinson 2.75
High School Girls B2
Destine McCleary 2.56
Kimora Jackson 2.84
Amani Dewdney 1.91
Dianna Ramos 2.28
Ramirrah Reid 1.87
High School Girls C3
Lia De La Rosa 1.61
Deasare Latimer 1.44
Jasmin DeJesus 2.00
Kaylin Johnson 1.15
Kelsey Johnson 1.50
Middle School Boys A1
Malachi McCall 2.24
Taaj Johnson 2.60
Samuel Wright 2.12
Wilberto Camacho 2.24
Syheir Keenan 1.50
Middle School Boys A2
Terrance Farlow Jr. 1.50
Joshua Higareda- Cedeno 1.50
Mathias Perez-Murillo 1.50
Max Kimball 1.50
Isaiah McCall 1.50
Middle School Girls B1
Jaida Brown 1.31
Kamiah Lewis 2.26
De'Anna Drummond 1.50
Mahogany Smith 0.81
Brise'is Austin 0.71
Middle School Girls B2
Maya Boyer Mayes 1.50
Macaela Smith 0.58
Mia Caraballo 1.50
Layla De la Rosa 1.50
Abigail McDonald 1.50
DEI Executive Summary Released
September 10, 2021
SquashSmarts recently completed a six-month consulting engagement with Dunleavy & Associates that assessed and collected feedback from 134 stakeholders -- students, alumni, parents, staff, board members, donors, partners and volunteers -- regarding our organization's culture, practices and policies through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Read the DEI Executive Summary
Read the DEI Executive Summary
SqSm Shines in Specter Center Article
August 30, 2021
Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and Philadelphia Inquirer art-and-architecture critic Inga Saffron showcased the new Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Monday's front-page article. Check out the photos and focus on SquashSmarts.
Read the Philadelphia Inquirer Article
Read the Philadelphia Inquirer Article
Graduating Class of 2021
June 9, 2021
SquashSmarts proudly announces its Graduating High School Class of 2021 here as well as our College Scholarships Winners, Summer Program and Career Apprenticeships. Congratulations to all of these outstanding young professionals.
Penn State Millenium Scholarship Winner
Jared Williams
Levitt Family College Scholars
Aiden Greene '21, Brandon Hines '21, Kayla Dufort '21, Liz'e Simpson '21, Kyla Core '20, Melissa Gray '19, Cris Tejada '19, Jesus Caseres '18, Domingo Tejada '18
Carol’s Kids College Scholars
Brandon Hines '21, Kayla Dufort '21, Jared Williams '21, Liz'e Simpson '21, Sir McDaniel '21
Clif Wright College Scholars
Angelica Burgos '22, Theresa Moloy-Brinkley '22, Niyanna Fields '23
Ford Williams College Scholars
Aiden Greene '21, Liz'e Simpson '21
SEA National Academic Citizenship Tour
Dianna Ramos '22
SEA Summer Academic Program @ Phillips Exeter Academy
Ramirrah Reid '22
SEA Summer Academic Program @ The Taft School
Gerard Heard '24
SEA Summer Academic Program @ The Hotchkiss School
Taimar Aviles-Alvarez '24
SEA Summer Squash Training Program @ Mercersburg Academy
Symire Blackshear-Shackleford '24, Dior Mitchell '25, Kimora Jackson '25
Monell Science Center, Research Apprentice
Theresa Moloy-Brinkley '22
Clark Capital Management Group, Corporate Interns
Cris Tejada '19, Katelynn Young '19
Dakota Investments, Corporate Intern
Sir McDaniel '19
FaceBook via Summer Math & Science Honors (SMASH), Externs
Brandon Hines '21, Jared Williams '21
Jenzy Children's Shoes, Corporate Start-Up Intern
Khaliah Corley '19
Camp Susquehannock, Counselors-In-Training
Francisco Torres-Vega '22, Jonathan Hernandez '22
Resica Falls Leadership, Eagle Scout Training Candidates
Adrian Gray '22, Cameron Nelson 22
Penn State Millenium Scholarship Winner
Jared Williams
Levitt Family College Scholars
Aiden Greene '21, Brandon Hines '21, Kayla Dufort '21, Liz'e Simpson '21, Kyla Core '20, Melissa Gray '19, Cris Tejada '19, Jesus Caseres '18, Domingo Tejada '18
Carol’s Kids College Scholars
Brandon Hines '21, Kayla Dufort '21, Jared Williams '21, Liz'e Simpson '21, Sir McDaniel '21
Clif Wright College Scholars
Angelica Burgos '22, Theresa Moloy-Brinkley '22, Niyanna Fields '23
Ford Williams College Scholars
Aiden Greene '21, Liz'e Simpson '21
SEA National Academic Citizenship Tour
Dianna Ramos '22
SEA Summer Academic Program @ Phillips Exeter Academy
Ramirrah Reid '22
SEA Summer Academic Program @ The Taft School
Gerard Heard '24
SEA Summer Academic Program @ The Hotchkiss School
Taimar Aviles-Alvarez '24
SEA Summer Squash Training Program @ Mercersburg Academy
Symire Blackshear-Shackleford '24, Dior Mitchell '25, Kimora Jackson '25
Monell Science Center, Research Apprentice
Theresa Moloy-Brinkley '22
Clark Capital Management Group, Corporate Interns
Cris Tejada '19, Katelynn Young '19
Dakota Investments, Corporate Intern
Sir McDaniel '19
FaceBook via Summer Math & Science Honors (SMASH), Externs
Brandon Hines '21, Jared Williams '21
Jenzy Children's Shoes, Corporate Start-Up Intern
Khaliah Corley '19
Camp Susquehannock, Counselors-In-Training
Francisco Torres-Vega '22, Jonathan Hernandez '22
Resica Falls Leadership, Eagle Scout Training Candidates
Adrian Gray '22, Cameron Nelson 22
Request for DEI Proposals
January 25, 2021
SquashSmarts seeks an experienced Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) practitioner to work closely with the organization’s newly formed DEI Committee (see below) to assess, guide and serve as a resource in all areas of the organization’s culture, including administration, programs and partnerships.
Click Here for RFP Scope & Submission Details (pdf) [CLOSED]
Click Here for RFP Scope & Submission Details (pdf) [CLOSED]
A Letter To Our Community
January 8, 2021
SquashSmarts is saddened by, and condemns, the actions at our nation’s Capitol this week.
SqSm strives to teach children the importance of personal and civic responsibility through positive relationships.
SqSm fosters students to become active adults who value civility, service, sportsmanship, and respect for their fellow citizens.
Individuals who take violent action in response to democratic processes and desecrate an American institution are the antithesis to those lessons which we, as educators, work to instill in our young people.
SqSm recognizes a double-standard, whether conscious or unconscious, shown by various institutions in comparison to the planning and resources made available during the 2020 protests for justice as evidence of biases that persist in our country which must be addressed.
SqSm is committed to continuing to create forums for our Students, Alumni, Staff, Families & Friends to engage in meaningful, inclusive conversations.
SqSm encourages All Individuals to contact our Staff or Committee Members with thoughts or questions; we encourage our Students and Families to explore the resources below; and we encourage our Parents and Alumni to join or engage in our Alumni Council and Parent Council meetings.
- SquashSmarts Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
SqSm strives to teach children the importance of personal and civic responsibility through positive relationships.
SqSm fosters students to become active adults who value civility, service, sportsmanship, and respect for their fellow citizens.
Individuals who take violent action in response to democratic processes and desecrate an American institution are the antithesis to those lessons which we, as educators, work to instill in our young people.
SqSm recognizes a double-standard, whether conscious or unconscious, shown by various institutions in comparison to the planning and resources made available during the 2020 protests for justice as evidence of biases that persist in our country which must be addressed.
SqSm is committed to continuing to create forums for our Students, Alumni, Staff, Families & Friends to engage in meaningful, inclusive conversations.
SqSm encourages All Individuals to contact our Staff or Committee Members with thoughts or questions; we encourage our Students and Families to explore the resources below; and we encourage our Parents and Alumni to join or engage in our Alumni Council and Parent Council meetings.
- SquashSmarts Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Helpful Resources
A Holiday Week
December 23, 2020
Friday
SqSm students, alumni and founding president glimpsed the future of community squash during tours of the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.
Saturday
SqSm rallied financial aid, legal support, housing guidance, food, and essential items for not-one-but-two SqSm families who lost their homes this month.
Sunday
SqSm delivered 133 Holiday Backpacks to our student-athletes, each containing: $50 Fresh Grocer gift cards from Clark Capital Management Group; denim jackets from the Losty family; Black Boy Fly illustrated children's book from author-and-urban-squash-alum Raheem Logan; and personalized blankets, watercolor paint sets, socks, half-round foam rollers, hand sanitizer, hot choclate, games, and more from SqSm friends and leaders.
Monday
Comcast, Cozen O’Connor, Kline & Specter and the PA Department of Community & Economic Development provided $200,000 through state tax credits to help SqSm expand its youth programs in 2021.
Tuesday
$117,000 grant from New York's CVC Capital Partners continues to ensure each SqSm student has the laptop, calculator, noise canceling headphones, and tech tools they need to complete this semester of school on line and on time.
Wednesday
Racquet Club members and staff cooked and delivered meals to brighten the holiday for 177 children and adults in our SqSm family network.
Thursday
SqSm seniors have earned 24 college acceptances from Chatham, Cleveland State, Drexel, Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, La Salle, Penn State, Pennsylvania College of Technology, St. Joe's, Temple, University of Pittsburgh, University of the Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth, Wayne State and Widener.
SqSm students, alumni and founding president glimpsed the future of community squash during tours of the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.
Saturday
SqSm rallied financial aid, legal support, housing guidance, food, and essential items for not-one-but-two SqSm families who lost their homes this month.
Sunday
SqSm delivered 133 Holiday Backpacks to our student-athletes, each containing: $50 Fresh Grocer gift cards from Clark Capital Management Group; denim jackets from the Losty family; Black Boy Fly illustrated children's book from author-and-urban-squash-alum Raheem Logan; and personalized blankets, watercolor paint sets, socks, half-round foam rollers, hand sanitizer, hot choclate, games, and more from SqSm friends and leaders.
Monday
Comcast, Cozen O’Connor, Kline & Specter and the PA Department of Community & Economic Development provided $200,000 through state tax credits to help SqSm expand its youth programs in 2021.
Tuesday
$117,000 grant from New York's CVC Capital Partners continues to ensure each SqSm student has the laptop, calculator, noise canceling headphones, and tech tools they need to complete this semester of school on line and on time.
Wednesday
Racquet Club members and staff cooked and delivered meals to brighten the holiday for 177 children and adults in our SqSm family network.
Thursday
SqSm seniors have earned 24 college acceptances from Chatham, Cleveland State, Drexel, Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, La Salle, Penn State, Pennsylvania College of Technology, St. Joe's, Temple, University of Pittsburgh, University of the Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth, Wayne State and Widener.
SqSm Students Ransom Gaymon, Teresa Miller, Cris Tejada and SqSm Founder Matthew Stern tour SqSm future home at Philadelphia's Arlen Specter US Squash Center.
DEI Committee Launched
December 10, 2020
SqSm is committed to learning, improving and becoming the best possible sports-based youth development organization it can be. To that end, and following a series of conversations and interviews with staff, alumni, parents and community members this Summer and Fall, SqSm is pleased to announce its Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lead by the following team members:
Tempest Bowden
Director of Squash & Fitness, SquashSmarts SquashSmarts Alumna '08 
Mithun Das
Assistant Squash Coach SquashSmarts Alumnus '10 
Debby Dowlin
Director of Institutional Development, SquashSmarts 
Olivia Fiechter
World #32 Professional Squash Player Member, Team USA 
Stephen Gregg
Executive Director, SquashSmarts |
Darryl Johnson
Chairman, Beloved Bros Inc. / Staff Accountant SquashSmarts Parent '27 
Molly Pierce
Trustee, Leo & Peggy Pierce Family Foundation Secretary, SquashSmarts Board of Directors 
Theresa Shropshire
Founder, Nalaverse MBA, The Wharton School 
Jordan Williams
BA Candidate in Psychology, Lincoln University SquashSmarts Alumna '17 |
Welcome New Directors
December 1, 2020
SqSm Governance & Nominating Committee is pleased to welcome the following individuals to the Board if Directors.
Radhika Cobb
Principal, The Carlyle Group
Member, Penn Squash Sports Board
Principal, The Carlyle Group
Member, Penn Squash Sports Board
Yamini Durani, MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College/Thomas Jefferson University
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College/Thomas Jefferson University
Rachel Edmonds
Social Science Analyst
MAS, Johns Hopkins University
SquashSmarts Alumna '08
Social Science Analyst
MAS, Johns Hopkins University
SquashSmarts Alumna '08
Eileen Diskin Flaherty
Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Comcast Business
Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Comcast Business
Temwa Wright
Executive Director, Pamoza International
SquashSmarts Parent '27
Executive Director, Pamoza International
SquashSmarts Parent '27
A Letter to Our Community
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. - Martin Luther King
The SquashSmarts youth mentoring program strongly condemns the individuals, institutions, policies, and actions that have led to the tragic killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many other black men, women and people of color across our country and across generations.
Words matter. Actions matter. Lives matter.
Our nation will not be united, our democracy and system of justice not well-served, until every voice is heard and respected, every life valued and protected.
SquashSmarts values freedom of speech, we value people more than property, and we value peaceful protest while respecting all ideological and political views, and the response of a citizenry driven by decades of oppression and frustration.
SquashSmarts' mission is and will remain predicated upon improving young people’s lives.
We are a small but reflective voice in our community – a compilation of students, staff, families, volunteers, board leaders, partners and people of different ages, genders, races, religions, experiences and views.
SquashSmarts believes good, decent citizens must act, that apathy must give way to peaceful, reasonable action which in turn must lead to real, meaningful, change.
To that end, our staff share their thoughts (below) so we may participate in and help further this national dialogue, empower each voice, learn from each perspective, and serve as role models for our young people:
Special Note: Today, SquashSmarts staff are out personally delivering $35,000 worth of VISA gift cards -- $250 each to 126 families in our West and North Philadelphia network of middle and high school families -- thanks to grants from two private family foundations and from a grant from the PHL COVID-19 Fund.
Words matter. Actions matter. Lives matter.
Our nation will not be united, our democracy and system of justice not well-served, until every voice is heard and respected, every life valued and protected.
SquashSmarts values freedom of speech, we value people more than property, and we value peaceful protest while respecting all ideological and political views, and the response of a citizenry driven by decades of oppression and frustration.
SquashSmarts' mission is and will remain predicated upon improving young people’s lives.
We are a small but reflective voice in our community – a compilation of students, staff, families, volunteers, board leaders, partners and people of different ages, genders, races, religions, experiences and views.
SquashSmarts believes good, decent citizens must act, that apathy must give way to peaceful, reasonable action which in turn must lead to real, meaningful, change.
To that end, our staff share their thoughts (below) so we may participate in and help further this national dialogue, empower each voice, learn from each perspective, and serve as role models for our young people:
Special Note: Today, SquashSmarts staff are out personally delivering $35,000 worth of VISA gift cards -- $250 each to 126 families in our West and North Philadelphia network of middle and high school families -- thanks to grants from two private family foundations and from a grant from the PHL COVID-19 Fund.
SquashSmarts Staff Members Speak Up & Speak Out.
I believe we have a major responsibility to address the abuses of this country against people of color that did not just start or come to be now, but have been happening for hundreds of years and generations.
+
We want our families to know SquashSmarts is here to support them and that we are supporting our staff during this time.
+
I believe souls don’t have race.
They do not have color.
They do not have gender.
+
I hope the necessary changes that need to happen will finally take effect after so many years of anger and frustration. Black Lives Matter.
+
I hope the individuals who are our looting and destroying stores in their own community put the same time and energy in to voting today. I hope they are the very first people at the polls.
+
Our staff stands in solidarity with our families, our communities, and particularly the black community, in this city and country that has endured centuries of violence. We stand for the end of racial and economic oppression of communities of color in this country, and for the end to police brutality which continues to be a traumatic and deadly tool of that oppression.
+
While we don’t have all of the answers, we know speaking up and refusing to be silent is our way forward to support our students and families in the fight for racial equality, justice and a better future for everyone in the U.S..
+
At SqSm, we often work on controlling or quelling anger. We often talk about how it is not OK to get angry in difficult situations. At the moment, we are in a situation where I believe it is OK to be angry. Anger and aggression are two separate things. Let the emotion of anger that you are feeling give you the power to speak out and take a stand but don’t let the emotion of aggression lead you to make uneducated decisions.
+
We acknowledge the reality of police brutality and focus on the root issue instead of focusing on looting and property damage.
+
We should not encourage families not to protest, but instead encourage them to be safe if they choose to do so.
+
The goal of this movement is to hold police accountable for the actions they take that result in citizens being injured or losing their lives. That is what all the protesting is about. We will know that All Lives Matter when police are held accountable for their actions and when systems are dismantled that currently oppress people of color disproportionately.
+
I believe that this fight is not one that the African American community should feel that they have to face alone. You should not be afraid to take a walk in your neighborhood, to enter a store, to sleep in your own bed. You should not be afraid to exist in the presence of those who are supposed to keep you safe. We see you. We hear you. We are learning to recognize our privilege and will use it to elevate black voices rather than silence your movement. You are not alone in this fight.
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"There is no HATE at SquashSmarts. We are all EQUAL. We are here to support one another, so let us choose love, kindness and compassion, let's continue to educate ourselves, our students, families and neighbors and lead by example!
I believe we have a major responsibility to address the abuses of this country against people of color that did not just start or come to be now, but have been happening for hundreds of years and generations.
+
We want our families to know SquashSmarts is here to support them and that we are supporting our staff during this time.
+
I believe souls don’t have race.
They do not have color.
They do not have gender.
+
I hope the necessary changes that need to happen will finally take effect after so many years of anger and frustration. Black Lives Matter.
+
I hope the individuals who are our looting and destroying stores in their own community put the same time and energy in to voting today. I hope they are the very first people at the polls.
+
Our staff stands in solidarity with our families, our communities, and particularly the black community, in this city and country that has endured centuries of violence. We stand for the end of racial and economic oppression of communities of color in this country, and for the end to police brutality which continues to be a traumatic and deadly tool of that oppression.
+
While we don’t have all of the answers, we know speaking up and refusing to be silent is our way forward to support our students and families in the fight for racial equality, justice and a better future for everyone in the U.S..
+
At SqSm, we often work on controlling or quelling anger. We often talk about how it is not OK to get angry in difficult situations. At the moment, we are in a situation where I believe it is OK to be angry. Anger and aggression are two separate things. Let the emotion of anger that you are feeling give you the power to speak out and take a stand but don’t let the emotion of aggression lead you to make uneducated decisions.
+
We acknowledge the reality of police brutality and focus on the root issue instead of focusing on looting and property damage.
+
We should not encourage families not to protest, but instead encourage them to be safe if they choose to do so.
+
The goal of this movement is to hold police accountable for the actions they take that result in citizens being injured or losing their lives. That is what all the protesting is about. We will know that All Lives Matter when police are held accountable for their actions and when systems are dismantled that currently oppress people of color disproportionately.
+
I believe that this fight is not one that the African American community should feel that they have to face alone. You should not be afraid to take a walk in your neighborhood, to enter a store, to sleep in your own bed. You should not be afraid to exist in the presence of those who are supposed to keep you safe. We see you. We hear you. We are learning to recognize our privilege and will use it to elevate black voices rather than silence your movement. You are not alone in this fight.
+
"There is no HATE at SquashSmarts. We are all EQUAL. We are here to support one another, so let us choose love, kindness and compassion, let's continue to educate ourselves, our students, families and neighbors and lead by example!
PFCF & SqSm Feed 151 Families
April 29, 2020
A phone call turned an altruistic idea into a kinetic delivery project thanks to the Philly Family Covid Fund, Tania Rorke and a collaborative partnership with SquashSmarts Staff, Students, Families, SCH Squash Teams and the Union League of Philadelphia
It began as a grassroots effort launched by Melissa and Josh Haims last month: Philly Family Covid Fund (PFCF) had the goal of raising funds to support local Philadelphia restaurants which, in turn, provided meals to local organizations and families
Since its inception on March 25th PFCF has raised more than $23,000 from 197 donors to feed first responders, nursing homes, food banks, and -- last Monday -- SquashSmarts students and families. To date, PFCF has provided meals to more than two dozen organizations partnering with over 20 restaurants and caterers [see complete list at bottom]
"When this is all over," says Josh Haims, "we want to remember this time not for how much stress it was, but for how much good we were able to do for people in this city." Read more about how Melissa and Josh launched PFCF here.
The SquashSmarts' partnership began when Rorke reached out to staff members Jeanie Shanahan and Nabilla Ariffin.
The Thursday concept call lead to the firm commitment on Monday to personally deliver fresh groceries to every single SquashSmarts student, staff, alumni and immediate family member who might want and need them.
It would be SquashSmarts first, and PFCF's largest, direct-to-residence delivery effort to date during the Covid 19 crises.
Within hours, Rorke had mobilized a network of volunteer drivers from the SCH squash teams (where her two daughters played competitively); purchased and transported $5,000+ in groceries and supplied from local restaurant supply stores; created a WhatsApp project communication chain; printed delivery instructions; mapped addresses with phone numbers (but no names to mantain privacy); and secured a safe, sanitized prep spaces at the Union League-Torresdale Club House where volunteers met Monday afternoon to package thousands of food items for delivery -- each package predicated upon the size and dietary restrictions of each household'.
As 'conductor of the orchestra', Rorke oversaw each detail. SquashSmarts staff provided 20-years of experience working directly with families in North and West Philadelphia.
Logistics ranged from 10:00pm texts, to constant spreadsheet updates, to 7:00am emails about the healthiest grocery options which ultimately included: milk, eggs, bread, pasta, marinara sauce, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, beans, rice, homemade cookies, and more.
The result: 200 bags of fresh groceries delivered personally and directly to SquashSmarts students, families and alumni – 622 Philadelphians living in 151 households around the city – in under five hours.
Equally meaningful: a community of Philadelphian's who came together (or, technically, six feet apart) who would otherwise never have met were it not for PFCF's vision and the common bond of squash.
In one simple afternoon, PFCF made our City of Brother Love & Sisterly Affection just a bit more Brotherly and a bit more Sisterly.
Huge thank you and shout out to SquashSmarts for taking care of our [SquashSmarts partner school] Overbrook Education Center students and families. J. loves being a member of the team.
Our son G. and his family would just like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to pick up food and necessities for our family. We would also like to thank you, Ross [Squash Director], for taking time out of your busy schedule to deliver the food and necessities to our home...
It will help us get through this pandemic... Along with the food and necessities, G. was very excited to receive a squash ball so that he'll be able to practice his squash skills during the pandemic... We just wanted to let the SquashSmarts staff know that we really appreciate all that it does and has done for G and our family. Again, Thank You All! Sincerely, G. and Family
Next Up: A network of SquashSmarts friends are planing a collaborative effort with support from the PHL Covid 19 Fund to purchase and deliver $250 VISA gift cards, cleaning products, and hand sanitizer to every SquashSmarts family.
PFCF Founders, Donors & Volunteers: SCH Boys & Girls Squash Teams, Union League of Philadephia Staff, and SquashSmarts Students, Families & Staff who 'rallied' together: Nabilla Ariffin, Ross Bolling, Quinetta Bowden, Tempest Bowden, Sandee Cataldi, Alix Cummin, Megan Douglas, Debby Dowlin, Diana Giegerich, Stephen Gregg, Joshua Haims, Melissa Moddonni Haims, Steve Majewski, Anna Mazzarelli, Celia Mazzarelli, Christian Mazzarelli, Janine Mazzarelli, Joe Millman, Liz Pearson, Lucy Pearson, Margaret Pearson, Kareem Price, Grace Rorke, Tania Rorke, Jose Rubert-Zayas, Sarah Scanlin, Susan Scanlin, Tommy Scanlin, Vera Sciarra, Jeanie Shanahan, Amy Spiller, Charlotte Stahlecker, Hilary Stahlecker, Ernie Tracy, Winslow Tracy, Ashley Trawick, Austin Youngren, Malcolm Youngren, Ava Zimmer, Dana Zimmer, and Roz.
PFCF has provided meals to: Broad Street Ministries, Sunday Breakfast Mission, Stenton Manor, Face to Face (St. Vincents), Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels, Germantown Boys and Girls Club, Roxborough Home for Women, Interfaith Hospitality and now – SquashSmarts.
PFCF has delivered meals to: Bryn Mawr Hospital Covid ICU (day and evening shift), HUP Covid ICU (day shift), Jefferson ER and Covid ICU Units (evening Shift) Einstein Medical Center (evening shift), 14th Precinct Police Station (day and evening shifts), Philadelphia Fire Department - Engine Houses 9 and 37 (day and evening shifts) Chestnut Hill and Germantown Post Offices, Bryn Mawr ER (day and evening shifts – all staff and security), Narberth Ambulance (4 Locations) and NE and SW Philabundance Warehouse workers
PFCF has supported these Restaurants & Caters: Baker Street, Barry’s Buns, Brendenbecks Bakery, Bridge Foys, Campbell’s Place, Carlino’s, Cry Baby Pasta, Brick and Brew, Chestnut Hill Brewing Company, Cosimos, Fiesta Pizza, Gabriella Catering, Gypsy, High Point Café, Jansen, Leporbaq, Locals Café, McKloskey’s, Night Kitchen Bakery, Taqueria Feliz Zsa’s, Union League of Philadelphia, Viggianos, Weavers Way Co-op and Zsa’s Icecream.
SquashSmarts Press Inquiries: Community Impact Director Nabilla Ariffin
It began as a grassroots effort launched by Melissa and Josh Haims last month: Philly Family Covid Fund (PFCF) had the goal of raising funds to support local Philadelphia restaurants which, in turn, provided meals to local organizations and families
Since its inception on March 25th PFCF has raised more than $23,000 from 197 donors to feed first responders, nursing homes, food banks, and -- last Monday -- SquashSmarts students and families. To date, PFCF has provided meals to more than two dozen organizations partnering with over 20 restaurants and caterers [see complete list at bottom]
"When this is all over," says Josh Haims, "we want to remember this time not for how much stress it was, but for how much good we were able to do for people in this city." Read more about how Melissa and Josh launched PFCF here.
The SquashSmarts' partnership began when Rorke reached out to staff members Jeanie Shanahan and Nabilla Ariffin.
The Thursday concept call lead to the firm commitment on Monday to personally deliver fresh groceries to every single SquashSmarts student, staff, alumni and immediate family member who might want and need them.
It would be SquashSmarts first, and PFCF's largest, direct-to-residence delivery effort to date during the Covid 19 crises.
Within hours, Rorke had mobilized a network of volunteer drivers from the SCH squash teams (where her two daughters played competitively); purchased and transported $5,000+ in groceries and supplied from local restaurant supply stores; created a WhatsApp project communication chain; printed delivery instructions; mapped addresses with phone numbers (but no names to mantain privacy); and secured a safe, sanitized prep spaces at the Union League-Torresdale Club House where volunteers met Monday afternoon to package thousands of food items for delivery -- each package predicated upon the size and dietary restrictions of each household'.
As 'conductor of the orchestra', Rorke oversaw each detail. SquashSmarts staff provided 20-years of experience working directly with families in North and West Philadelphia.
Logistics ranged from 10:00pm texts, to constant spreadsheet updates, to 7:00am emails about the healthiest grocery options which ultimately included: milk, eggs, bread, pasta, marinara sauce, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, beans, rice, homemade cookies, and more.
The result: 200 bags of fresh groceries delivered personally and directly to SquashSmarts students, families and alumni – 622 Philadelphians living in 151 households around the city – in under five hours.
Equally meaningful: a community of Philadelphian's who came together (or, technically, six feet apart) who would otherwise never have met were it not for PFCF's vision and the common bond of squash.
In one simple afternoon, PFCF made our City of Brother Love & Sisterly Affection just a bit more Brotherly and a bit more Sisterly.
Huge thank you and shout out to SquashSmarts for taking care of our [SquashSmarts partner school] Overbrook Education Center students and families. J. loves being a member of the team.
Our son G. and his family would just like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to pick up food and necessities for our family. We would also like to thank you, Ross [Squash Director], for taking time out of your busy schedule to deliver the food and necessities to our home...
It will help us get through this pandemic... Along with the food and necessities, G. was very excited to receive a squash ball so that he'll be able to practice his squash skills during the pandemic... We just wanted to let the SquashSmarts staff know that we really appreciate all that it does and has done for G and our family. Again, Thank You All! Sincerely, G. and Family
Next Up: A network of SquashSmarts friends are planing a collaborative effort with support from the PHL Covid 19 Fund to purchase and deliver $250 VISA gift cards, cleaning products, and hand sanitizer to every SquashSmarts family.
PFCF Founders, Donors & Volunteers: SCH Boys & Girls Squash Teams, Union League of Philadephia Staff, and SquashSmarts Students, Families & Staff who 'rallied' together: Nabilla Ariffin, Ross Bolling, Quinetta Bowden, Tempest Bowden, Sandee Cataldi, Alix Cummin, Megan Douglas, Debby Dowlin, Diana Giegerich, Stephen Gregg, Joshua Haims, Melissa Moddonni Haims, Steve Majewski, Anna Mazzarelli, Celia Mazzarelli, Christian Mazzarelli, Janine Mazzarelli, Joe Millman, Liz Pearson, Lucy Pearson, Margaret Pearson, Kareem Price, Grace Rorke, Tania Rorke, Jose Rubert-Zayas, Sarah Scanlin, Susan Scanlin, Tommy Scanlin, Vera Sciarra, Jeanie Shanahan, Amy Spiller, Charlotte Stahlecker, Hilary Stahlecker, Ernie Tracy, Winslow Tracy, Ashley Trawick, Austin Youngren, Malcolm Youngren, Ava Zimmer, Dana Zimmer, and Roz.
PFCF has provided meals to: Broad Street Ministries, Sunday Breakfast Mission, Stenton Manor, Face to Face (St. Vincents), Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels, Germantown Boys and Girls Club, Roxborough Home for Women, Interfaith Hospitality and now – SquashSmarts.
PFCF has delivered meals to: Bryn Mawr Hospital Covid ICU (day and evening shift), HUP Covid ICU (day shift), Jefferson ER and Covid ICU Units (evening Shift) Einstein Medical Center (evening shift), 14th Precinct Police Station (day and evening shifts), Philadelphia Fire Department - Engine Houses 9 and 37 (day and evening shifts) Chestnut Hill and Germantown Post Offices, Bryn Mawr ER (day and evening shifts – all staff and security), Narberth Ambulance (4 Locations) and NE and SW Philabundance Warehouse workers
PFCF has supported these Restaurants & Caters: Baker Street, Barry’s Buns, Brendenbecks Bakery, Bridge Foys, Campbell’s Place, Carlino’s, Cry Baby Pasta, Brick and Brew, Chestnut Hill Brewing Company, Cosimos, Fiesta Pizza, Gabriella Catering, Gypsy, High Point Café, Jansen, Leporbaq, Locals Café, McKloskey’s, Night Kitchen Bakery, Taqueria Feliz Zsa’s, Union League of Philadelphia, Viggianos, Weavers Way Co-op and Zsa’s Icecream.
SquashSmarts Press Inquiries: Community Impact Director Nabilla Ariffin
College News & Scholarships
March 27, 2020
Carols Kids Announces Two New Scholarships
College & Career Acceptances
- Aaliyah Galloway, 8-year SqSm team member received $1,000 grant to support her enrollment at Chatham University
- Monish Das, 12-year SqSm team member/alumna and 4-year SqSm volunteer tutor received $1,000 tution assistance toward her senior-year pursuit of a double major in psychology and philosophy
College & Career Acceptances
- Katherine Burgos accepted to Chatham University
- Kyla Core accepted to Mount Holyoke College
- Aaliyah Galloway accepted to Chatham University
- Anthony Islam accepted to Syracuse University
- Daniel Islam accepted to Chatham University
- Melliah Santos accepted to City Year
Staff & Students First
March 25, 2020
In response to the pandemic, SqSm Board of Directors has made a firm commitment to retain all full and part-time staff to support and enable them to remain focused on providing services our students and families. Specifically, staff have identified these immediate areas of focus:
#1 Needs Assessment: 3 Points of Contact per Week per Student & Family
#2 Continued Virtual Learning
#3 New Focus Groups
Note: Volunteer Support Continue. A few examples...
#1 Needs Assessment: 3 Points of Contact per Week per Student & Family
- Computer Laptop Distribution
- General Health & Safety Check-In
- Employment Conversations & Guidance
- Local Food Access & Distribution Information
- COVID-19 News & Health Insurance Coverage
- College & High School Placement & Financial Aid
- School District Curriculum Guidance
- Emergency Home Visits
#2 Continued Virtual Learning
- Daily On-Line Learning Sessions
- Daily Health & Fitness Exercises
- On-Line Group Social Discussions
- 30-Minute Invidual Tutroring Blocks
#3 New Focus Groups
- Spanish-Speaking Support: Megan Douglas, Jose Rubert-Zayas, Raphael Mercado
- Government-to-Family Resources: Shaniqua Rudd, Michaela Moore, Monisha Das
- Federanl SBA-PPP Loan: Peter Cocchia, Stephen Gregg, Robert Fischer & Customer's Bank
Note: Volunteer Support Continue. A few examples...
- Anne Hilton and Carol Jacobs are proof-reading our senior's college scholarship applications
- Alumni Rachel Edmonds, Lamin Conteh & Mithun Das joined our Google Classroom to talk to our students
Special Update: Covid 19 Closure
Wednesday, March 13, 2020
SquashSmarts will be closed until further notice due to community health concerns and state requirements. Ostaff remains committed to our students and will be contact each family 2-3 times per week until we re-open. We encourage every student and family you to call or email our staff for any reason.
Mientras nuestro programa está cerrado hasta nuevo aviso debido a problemas de salud de la comunidad y requisitos estatales, nuestro personal llamará a cada familia 2-3 veces por semana hasta que reabramos. También le recomendamos que llame o envíe un correo electrónico a nuestro personal por cualquier motivo
SquashSmarts will be closed until further notice due to community health concerns and state requirements. Ostaff remains committed to our students and will be contact each family 2-3 times per week until we re-open. We encourage every student and family you to call or email our staff for any reason.
Mientras nuestro programa está cerrado hasta nuevo aviso debido a problemas de salud de la comunidad y requisitos estatales, nuestro personal llamará a cada familia 2-3 veces por semana hasta que reabramos. También le recomendamos que llame o envíe un correo electrónico a nuestro personal por cualquier motivo
Cancelled: PPL Squash Championships
March 15, 2020
SquashSmarts, the official provider of Squash for the School District of Philadelphia (SDoP), has cancelled the launch of the inaugural Philadelphia Public League (PPL) Individual and Team Squash Championships orginally schedule for March 20th and April 3rd.
The tournament will be reschedule for a later date and will remain open to any of the 200,000+ girls and boys in our city's public schools and 100% free to all SDoP Entrants.
Individual Championships [Cancelled]
Date: Friday-Saturday, March 20-21
Venue: SquashSmarts Lenfest Center, 3890 North 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Divisions: High School Girls & Boys/Co-Ed; Middle School Girls & Boys/Co-Ed
Questions: Joe Millman 215-221-6860
Sign Up
Team Championships [Cancelled]
Date: Friday-Saturday, April 3-4
Venue: SquashSmarts Lenfest Center, 3890 North 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Divisions: High School Girls & Boys/Co-Ed; Middle School Girls & Boys/Co-Ed
Questions: Joe Millman 215-221-6860
Sign Up
The tournament will be reschedule for a later date and will remain open to any of the 200,000+ girls and boys in our city's public schools and 100% free to all SDoP Entrants.
Individual Championships [Cancelled]
Date: Friday-Saturday, March 20-21
Venue: SquashSmarts Lenfest Center, 3890 North 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Divisions: High School Girls & Boys/Co-Ed; Middle School Girls & Boys/Co-Ed
Questions: Joe Millman 215-221-6860
Sign Up
Team Championships [Cancelled]
Date: Friday-Saturday, April 3-4
Venue: SquashSmarts Lenfest Center, 3890 North 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Divisions: High School Girls & Boys/Co-Ed; Middle School Girls & Boys/Co-Ed
Questions: Joe Millman 215-221-6860
Sign Up
Dreams & Detours
December 30, 2019
A Reflection by Quinetta Bowden, SqSm Alumna '09 and SqSm Middle School Academic Director
"There are many important values, but PASSION is what drives my everyday life and actions. Passion steered my life in 2016. After completing two years with City Year, I had two job offers: one as a School Teacher in New Jersey, the other as an Academic Director for SquashSmarts.
I chose SquashSmarts.
Why? At the time, I was passionate about giving back to the youth program and family that had given me so much as a young student. I'm still quite certain my dream job is to teach 9th grade English – and choosing the job in NJ would have put me on a path toward that dream sooner – but at 24 I decided to take a detour...
A detour that lead me to discover something I'm even more passionate about than a dream job: SquashSmarts
To say that this program has given me a lot isn’t sufficient. When I joined SquashSmarts in 6th grade I was a very different person than I am now. I was more shy and reserved.
That doesn’t mean who I am now didn’t exist then, it was just buried under so much fear, concern and anxiety.
SquashSmarts gave – and gives – me the space to be who I am and it now allows me to work with students and give them the space they need to be who they are.
In middle school, this is especially important as many of our girls and boys are just starting to discover themselves, their identities and their passions.
Now my passion is to make sure those young people are kind to each another and kind to the space they are in, and to help each one of them stay and grow and learn in a safe, caring place.
In short, following my passion lead me to a dream I didn’t know I had: being 'me' in space that invites and encourages others to be who they are too.
On behalf of our SquashSmarts family, I want to thank you all of for making the Dreams and the Detours of our student-athletes - including mine - possible.
"There are many important values, but PASSION is what drives my everyday life and actions. Passion steered my life in 2016. After completing two years with City Year, I had two job offers: one as a School Teacher in New Jersey, the other as an Academic Director for SquashSmarts.
I chose SquashSmarts.
Why? At the time, I was passionate about giving back to the youth program and family that had given me so much as a young student. I'm still quite certain my dream job is to teach 9th grade English – and choosing the job in NJ would have put me on a path toward that dream sooner – but at 24 I decided to take a detour...
A detour that lead me to discover something I'm even more passionate about than a dream job: SquashSmarts
To say that this program has given me a lot isn’t sufficient. When I joined SquashSmarts in 6th grade I was a very different person than I am now. I was more shy and reserved.
That doesn’t mean who I am now didn’t exist then, it was just buried under so much fear, concern and anxiety.
SquashSmarts gave – and gives – me the space to be who I am and it now allows me to work with students and give them the space they need to be who they are.
In middle school, this is especially important as many of our girls and boys are just starting to discover themselves, their identities and their passions.
Now my passion is to make sure those young people are kind to each another and kind to the space they are in, and to help each one of them stay and grow and learn in a safe, caring place.
In short, following my passion lead me to a dream I didn’t know I had: being 'me' in space that invites and encourages others to be who they are too.
On behalf of our SquashSmarts family, I want to thank you all of for making the Dreams and the Detours of our student-athletes - including mine - possible.
A Holiday Week
December 26, 2018
Sunday
A seven-year SqSm graduate informed our staff she made the Dean’s List at Drexel University. After giving her a huge hug, we smiled and told her she'd also just been accepted to a summer internship at ABC News in NYC through the Squash +Education Alliance.
Monday
A hard-working four-year SqSm middle school student jumped for joy when she learned she'd been selected to SEA's 2018-19 High Performance Team. She’ll receive coaching and funding to travel, train, expand her horizons and maximize her potential.
Tuesday
Our SqSm' Girls high school squash team hosted a match against a local private school team. Fun fact: one-third of the opposing team's line up was of SquashSmarts students!
Wednesday
Six SqSm alumni returned home at 1:00 AM from Massachusetts after helping run the world's largest junior squash tournament -- the US Junior Open -- with 900 players from 41 nations.
Thursday
A long-time SqSm friend made a $250,000 planned gift to our Sustainability Fund; a local law firm pledged $50,000 in Corporate EITC tax credits to support our Workforce Development Program; and a new academic tutor donated $250 to our Year End Appeal.
Friday
A SqSm staff member opened his home during the holidays to an alumni facing a particularly challenging time; at the same time, the mother of a SqSm student came to the aid of a staff member in need -- both proving our community is stronger, safer and kinder the more bridges that we build to support each other.
A seven-year SqSm graduate informed our staff she made the Dean’s List at Drexel University. After giving her a huge hug, we smiled and told her she'd also just been accepted to a summer internship at ABC News in NYC through the Squash +Education Alliance.
Monday
A hard-working four-year SqSm middle school student jumped for joy when she learned she'd been selected to SEA's 2018-19 High Performance Team. She’ll receive coaching and funding to travel, train, expand her horizons and maximize her potential.
Tuesday
Our SqSm' Girls high school squash team hosted a match against a local private school team. Fun fact: one-third of the opposing team's line up was of SquashSmarts students!
Wednesday
Six SqSm alumni returned home at 1:00 AM from Massachusetts after helping run the world's largest junior squash tournament -- the US Junior Open -- with 900 players from 41 nations.
Thursday
A long-time SqSm friend made a $250,000 planned gift to our Sustainability Fund; a local law firm pledged $50,000 in Corporate EITC tax credits to support our Workforce Development Program; and a new academic tutor donated $250 to our Year End Appeal.
Friday
A SqSm staff member opened his home during the holidays to an alumni facing a particularly challenging time; at the same time, the mother of a SqSm student came to the aid of a staff member in need -- both proving our community is stronger, safer and kinder the more bridges that we build to support each other.
Five Fun Things
December 6, 2018
#1. A Mother's Gift
Merylin Vega-Rivera, mother of SqSm 9th grader Francisco, created a FaceBook page to spread this message:
“SquashSmarts helps kids emotionally, mentally, and they look after the Children's Health... I'm so happy for my son and this wonderful program because being a single and disabled mom it’s hard for me to be able to spend time like I wish I could with my son... Thanks to this program my son stays out of trouble and gets out of the house to have fun... Please Donate.
#2. A Global Voice
In August, SqSm Community Impact Director Nabilla Ariffin was 1 of 20 young leaders invited to Lake Como, Italy by the International Youth Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University and Rockefeller Foundation to discuss 17 U.N. Global Sustainability Development Goals.
Last week, Nabilla was the sole non-profit representative invited to a round-table at the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C. to continue the conversation with city officials from around the U.S..
This Friday, Nabilla will host I.Y.F. President Susan Reichle during YouthBuild's Global Opportunity Summit in Philadelphia addressing youth unemployment.
Finally, the London-based International Youth Federation named Nabilla its Director for Bureau of Sports - a voluntary post connecting innovative sports leaders around the globe!
“Global change happens locally,” says Ariffin, “and each opportunity is a unique chance for me to showcase SquashSmarts' high-quality, high-impact work with kids.”
Press Release Here
#3. Intense Academics
Did You Know SquashSmarts Academic Directors:
- Teach a year-round curriculum?
- Run two academic sessions per day, 5 days per week?
- Meet with every child's parent, teacher and counselor?
- Give bus/subway tokens to high school students for every practice?
- Pick up and drive middle school students from school every day?
- Collect, track and discuss report cards with every child?
- Manage college placement, SAT and financial aid for every 12th graders?
- Manage high school placement for every 8th grader?
- Rely on 90+ volunteers to tutor students in our classrooms?
- Oversee two national academic essay contests?
- Support 70+ alumni through college, career and financial counseling?
- Organize 80+ summer opportunities for our student-athletes?
#4. 2018 Pierce Junior Squash Tournament
89 chidlren from as far away as Washington state and Washington, D.C. gathered last weekend at SqSm for the 2018 Pierce Junior Silver, a US Squash-sanctioned tournament named in honor of the Pierce family and created to promote access and friendly competition among new, up-and-coming squash players.
#5. SquashSmarts... in Tennessee?
SquashSmarts 'flew south for the winter' thanks to Scenic City Squash Club Director Richard Millman who hired SqSm 7-year graduate Jose Rupert-Zayas to help create and coach four new school programs in Chattanooga, TN.
Check Out Jose's First Lesson
Merylin Vega-Rivera, mother of SqSm 9th grader Francisco, created a FaceBook page to spread this message:
“SquashSmarts helps kids emotionally, mentally, and they look after the Children's Health... I'm so happy for my son and this wonderful program because being a single and disabled mom it’s hard for me to be able to spend time like I wish I could with my son... Thanks to this program my son stays out of trouble and gets out of the house to have fun... Please Donate.
#2. A Global Voice
In August, SqSm Community Impact Director Nabilla Ariffin was 1 of 20 young leaders invited to Lake Como, Italy by the International Youth Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University and Rockefeller Foundation to discuss 17 U.N. Global Sustainability Development Goals.
Last week, Nabilla was the sole non-profit representative invited to a round-table at the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C. to continue the conversation with city officials from around the U.S..
This Friday, Nabilla will host I.Y.F. President Susan Reichle during YouthBuild's Global Opportunity Summit in Philadelphia addressing youth unemployment.
Finally, the London-based International Youth Federation named Nabilla its Director for Bureau of Sports - a voluntary post connecting innovative sports leaders around the globe!
“Global change happens locally,” says Ariffin, “and each opportunity is a unique chance for me to showcase SquashSmarts' high-quality, high-impact work with kids.”
Press Release Here
#3. Intense Academics
Did You Know SquashSmarts Academic Directors:
- Teach a year-round curriculum?
- Run two academic sessions per day, 5 days per week?
- Meet with every child's parent, teacher and counselor?
- Give bus/subway tokens to high school students for every practice?
- Pick up and drive middle school students from school every day?
- Collect, track and discuss report cards with every child?
- Manage college placement, SAT and financial aid for every 12th graders?
- Manage high school placement for every 8th grader?
- Rely on 90+ volunteers to tutor students in our classrooms?
- Oversee two national academic essay contests?
- Support 70+ alumni through college, career and financial counseling?
- Organize 80+ summer opportunities for our student-athletes?
#4. 2018 Pierce Junior Squash Tournament
89 chidlren from as far away as Washington state and Washington, D.C. gathered last weekend at SqSm for the 2018 Pierce Junior Silver, a US Squash-sanctioned tournament named in honor of the Pierce family and created to promote access and friendly competition among new, up-and-coming squash players.
#5. SquashSmarts... in Tennessee?
SquashSmarts 'flew south for the winter' thanks to Scenic City Squash Club Director Richard Millman who hired SqSm 7-year graduate Jose Rupert-Zayas to help create and coach four new school programs in Chattanooga, TN.
Check Out Jose's First Lesson