Wearing Three Hats and A Colorful Shirt at This Year's Color Run

At Saturday’s Color Run I found myself wearing three hats: that of a staff member, a volunteer and a runner (which led to my colorful shirt). As a part of the staff and as a volunteer, I was welcomed with open arms and quickly engaged in the morning’s activities. It was nice to see familiar faces of the SYF staff as I found my way through the plaza, to volunteer check-in and then to my assignment.

But the coolest part of the morning was when the volunteer coordinator asked for someone to run the course (“sweep the course”). I quickly volunteered, although admittedly I wasn’t really prepared to run the 3 miles (let alone, run it twice). But the spirit of the run, the volunteers and the colorful course made it easy. 

During the second time through the course, I started to make some connections between the work of SYF, the students and The Color Runners. That may sound strange, but it kept me entertained for a few miles. For example …

• Training: Some of the participants were running their first 5K and just like the students at the Academies, there is a lot of training (and preparation) that goes into finishing and succeeding.
• Support: Students get a lot of support from staff, teachers and administrators at the Simon Youth Academies – and while I doubt they hear hooting, hollering and get colors thrown on them, they are supported along the way. Just like the volunteers on the course who wanted the runners to succeed, there are a lot of Simon employees and supporters wanting to see students succeed too.
• Cutters and quitters: There were a few runners who I saw stop, cut corners and even quit. I can only imagine that there are times in their lives that these young students – many of whom are faced with insurmountable challenges, want to do the same. However, with the support they receive from SYF, they find a way to continue on.
• A celebration like no other: The finish line was a colorful, crazy and fun celebration. People lined up to cheer on their friends and family, pictures were taken to commemorate the memories and runners celebrated the finish. Again, as I tried to make a connection, I couldn’t help but think what an amazing celebration it must be for the students who have received $10 million in scholarships from SYF and for the 10,000 Academy students who train, prep, work hard and cross their own finish line.

So wearing my three hats again, I want to first say thank you to The Color Run for partnering with SYF; thank my volunteer partners who made my shift fun; and as a runner I want to thank everyone for truly making it a great experience.  The Color Run truly is the “happiest 5K” – and I have my colorful shirt to remember it!

Click here for a "colorful" look at more pictures from The Color Run!

Why We Do What We Do: A Graduate Profile

Diabetes didn’t stop this student from achieving success!

Since age five, her life has been different. She could have become angry or frustrated, but instead she chose to dream big. At age five, Jessica Kroner was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. At age seven, she decided she wanted to become a pediatric physician specifically to help children diagnosed with this disease.

Today, with the help of Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), Jessica is one step closer to making that childhood dream a reality.

Jessica is a recipient of SYF's Community Scholarship. SYF established the Community Scholarship to meet the financial needs of students in communities that host Simon shopping malls and centers. Jessica is a graduate of Nanuet Senior High School, NY, who received support and a scholarship from The Shops at Nanuet, NY. Next month, she will head to Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. She plans to major in Biology/Pre-Med.

“With this generous amount, I will be able to pursue my lifetime goal as well as further my education without the extra financial stress and worry,” said Jessica. “I am grateful for the overwhelming support from the Simon Youth Foundation, thank you.”

Every year in the United States, 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and more than 1 million American kids and adults deal daily with the disease.

While type 1 diabetes can be challenging to live with, Jessica has focused on diabetes management, living her life and helping others in any way possible. Everyone at SYF is happy to help contribute to Jessica’s education and to support her dream of becoming a pediatrician. Our hope for Jessica – and all of our young students, is that the scholarships we are able to award will help them start with their goals and go anywhere. For Jessica, we hope it will be the start of her goal to helping children with diabetes and maybe even working to help find a cure!

Igniting hope for 15 years, Simon Youth Foundation has dispersed more than $10 million in scholarships and graduated more than 10,000 at-risk students in Simon Youth Academies. Jessica is one of the many deserving youth people who are able to pursue their dreams to attend college or another post-secondary institution with the help of SYF.

A Colorful SYF Volunteer

If you heard a “whoot, whoot” along The Color Run course last year, odds were it came from one of SYF’s most enthusiastic volunteers, Melody Biddle. Melody worked at the water station at the halfway mark, where she hopes to be again on Saturday. Melody returns to The Color Run as a SYF volunteer – this year as a Captain of Fun.

Melody had so much fun last year; she’s coming back this year – and encourages others to join her. As the Indianapolis charity partner of the happiest 5K on the planet, SYF recruits and organizes more than 100 volunteers for The Color Run. SYF volunteers help with everything from runner check-in, water stations and applying colored powder onto runners as they pass through four different stations - pink, blue, yellow and orange. Volunteers are still needed for the event.

According to Melody, volunteering for The Color Run is not only fun and colorful, but meaningful. Sure you’ll see the wild costumes, silly socks and crazy headbands, but you’ll also hear emotional stories of why some of these runners run. And for Melody, the morning is also about connecting with SYF and its mission to support students who are at-risk of dropping out of school. 

“I did my best to rouse the runners with shouts of ‘You are halfway there....can I get a WOOT WOOT!?’ to help encourage them throughout the run,” said Melody. “It was so rewarding to see the runners light up and get re-energized as they came through the water station.”

“For me, volunteering for The Color Run is really about a sense of helping and feeling like I’ve helped someone along the course – similar to what SYF is doing for kids every day,” said Melody. “At the end of the day, we’re all trying to encourage and support people who need a little motivation.”

Melody has worked at Simon for the past seven years and is a Utility Billing Specialist - Energy Billing. She enjoys the opportunity to volunteer with – and share her volunteer experiences with her co-workers.

“Volunteering has the added benefit of allowing you to get to know other employees as well as other volunteers from the community,” shared Melody. “Aside from having fun and networking, we all have a great time encouraging others, getting to know one another better, and leaving with a sense of having done something to help someone else.”

According to Brandi Young, SYF Senior Director for Advancement, Melody is an organization’s dream volunteer. “She’s our most enthusiastic, positive – and in this case, ‘colorful’ volunteer. She goes above and beyond in her volunteer duties and in her support of SYF.”

Click here if you would like to sign up to volunteer for The Color Run. If you can’t volunteer for this event, consider joining SYF throughout the year as the organization ignites hope in at-risk youth. Contact Brandi Young, 317-263-7694 for more information on other volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

Why We Do What We Do: A Graduate Profile

Ben, a recent high school graduate from Brewster High School and 2013 SYF Community Scholarship winner from Jefferson Valley Mall, reminds us that the work we do really does help dreams become reality. As he shared in a letter to us: “When I am writing scores for films in Kyoto, Japan, 10 years from now, I will look back with great appreciation to the Mall Management Team. You helped realize my dream and the dreams of so many others.”

Growing up, Ben watched his parents change career paths from artists to entrepreneurs. But their “non-tangential path” of starting a small CPR education company led to financial troubles. Ben recalls a time when their family bank account fell to $40. His aunt, Meg, described Ben’s childhood as ‘growing up with a looming peril always over his head.’ Not to be discouraged, the family overcame their trials and tribulations with hard work, dedication and a commitment to succeed. Ben credits his own strong ethics to those he learned from his parents.

In school, Ben flourished academically, artistically and socially. In addition to focusing on his classwork, Ben focused on performing arts extracurricular activities: chorus, theatre, marching band, orchestra and National Honors Society. As the only male member and captain of the Brewster High School marching band, Ben led the band through the streets of Dublin, Ireland, in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. He also received a leadership award from the Gay Straight Education Network (GLSEN), a national organization, for his work as president of the Gay Straight Alliance in his high school.

In his junior year, Ben discovered an interest in music theory. Combining music theory with his love of Anime, Japanese animation that often covers more serious topics than the typical animation, Ben visualized his goal to compose music for Anime. For that past year, he has worked on his portfolio and has created three original scores for a variety of instruments. He has plans to master the Japanese language so he can create musical scores in Japanese.

With the scholarship money he received from Simon Youth Foundation, Ben will attend Bard College, a private liberal arts college in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York.

“Without your generous scholarship, I would not be able to attend Bard,” shared Ben. “It was you, those of the Simon Youth Foundation Scholarship Board of Directors, who recognized and supported my endeavors to create music and master the Japanese language.”

SYF’s message to Ben: 幸運 (kouun, pronounced "koh-oon") = good luck!

Igniting hope for 15 years, Simon Youth Foundation has dispersed more than $10 million in scholarships and graduated more than 10,000 at-risk students in Simon Youth Academies. Ben is one of the many deserving youth people who are able to pursue their dreams to attend college or another post-secondary institution with the help of SYF.

Tees for Education was a success in FORE big ways

Last week, Simon Youth Foundation benefited from the 6^th Annual Tees for Education golf scramble to raise funds for its two major initiatives: Simon Youth Academies and Simon Youth Scholarships. While there was much to celebrate as our foursomes hit the links at The Legends of Indiana Golf Club, we consider these FORE to be among the top:

1.     Raised awareness about SYF’s work: On the greens and in between swings, SYF staff members were able to educate participants about the important work we are doing to ignite hope through educational opportunities for students who are at risk of dropping out of high school.

2.     Raised significant funds for scholarships: This year’s event raised a record-breaking $34,000, allowing us to provide more scholarships to more students who are on their journey toward lifetime success and achievement.

3.     Made new friends who are igniting hope: Tees for Education brings out an extremely generous group of supporters, including corporate donors, sponsors and individuals from across the country. We appreciate the support of so many sponsors – those who join us year after year, and those who joined us for the first time. A special thank you to our Title Sponsor: Simplex Grinnell and Eagle Sponsors: Hayes and Sons and VCC.

4.     Made a difference in the lives of students: In the time it took this year’s golfers to play their round, more than 450 high school students dropped out of high school. Simon Youth Foundation answers this epidemic through our programs that help youth graduate, develop life skills, and pursue post-secondary education career paths.

Our special thanks to Beth Jennings and Jack Johnson who were tireless volunteer co-chairs for this event. This year takes on a special meaning to us as Simon Youth Foundation celebrates its 15^th Anniversary, its 10,000^th graduate and surpasses the milestone of providing more than $10 million in scholarships. Thank you for being a part of that – on and off the greens!

More about Simon Youth Foundation programs and events can be found at syf.org.

Indianapolis area scholarship winners recognized

This year, Simon Youth Foundation is awarding over $1.3 million in Simon Youth Scholarships across the nation to 289 deserving college-bound students. As part of the celebration, the Indianapolis area Simon Malls honored 15 scholarship recipients headed to post-secondary education this fall. Collectively, these students received nearly $90,000.

The SYF staff was proud to attend the scholarship presentation ceremony on Thursday, June 26, inside the Indianapolis Artsgarden at Circle Centre Mall, which is just a block away from the SYF home office. Each recipient is headed in a unique path and going after their dreams. Congratulations to all these great students!

Julian Batts is a Simon Youth Community Scholarship winner and his scholarship is presented in partnership with Fashion Mall at Keystone. The one-time award carries value of $1,400. Julian graduated from Carmel High School and plans to attend Indiana University - Bloomington and major in Business and Spanish.

Joel Bragg is a Simon Youth Academy scholarship winner. Joel is a graduate of the Simon Youth Clark Pleasant Academy, and his award is presented in partnership with Greenwood Park Mall. The award is renewable for a total of up to two years and carries a total potential value of $7,700. Joel plans to attend Ivy Tech’s Columbus campus and major in nursing.

Mandy Carroll is a Simon Youth Community Scholarship winner and her scholarship is presented in partnership with Circle Centre. The one-time award carries value of $1,400. Mandy graduated from Mooresville High School and plans to attend Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana and major in Nursing.

Kathryn Fillingsness is a Simon Youth Community Scholarship winner in partnership with Hamilton Town Center. The one-time award carries a total value of $1,400. Kathryn graduated from Hamilton Southeastern High School and plans to attend Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and major in Management and Marketing.

Katie Gillin is a Simon Youth Academy scholarship winner. Katie is a graduate of the Simon Youth Pacers Academy, and her award is presented in partnership with Washington Square Mall. The award is renewable for a total of up to two years and carries a total potential value of $7,700. Katie plans to attend Ivy Tech’s Central Indiana campus and major Criminal Justice.

Terry Harris is a Simon Youth Academy scholarship winner. Terry is a graduate of the Simon Youth Pacers Academy, and his award is presented in partnership with Washington Square Mall. The award is renewable for a total of up to four years and carries a total potential value of $31,000. Terry plans to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana and major in engineering.

Rose Hatfield is a Simon Youth Community Scholarship winner. Her award is presented in partnership with Castleton Square Mall. The one-time award carries a value of $1,400. Rose graduated from Pike High School and plans to attend IUPUI and major in Veterinary Medicine.

Jasmine Hawkins is a Simon Choice Award winner in partnership with Clay Terrace. The one-time award carries a total value of $700. Jasmine graduated from Pike High School and plans to attend the University of Indianapolis in and major in Nursing.

Gina Hestand is a Simon Youth Academy scholarship winner. Gina is a graduate of the Simon Youth Clark Pleasant Academy, and her award is presented in partnership with Greenwood Park Mall. The award is renewable for a total of up to two years and carries a total potential value of $7,700. Gina plans to attend Ivy Tech’s Columbus campus and major in Veterinary Technology.

Jacob Holzer is a Simon Youth Academy scholarship winner. Jacob is a graduate of the Simon Youth Clark Pleasant Academy, and his award is presented in partnership with Greenwood Park Mall. The award is renewable for a total of up to two years and carries a total potential value of $7,700. Jacob plans to attend Vincennes University and major in Avionic Technology.

Olivia Huff is a Simon Youth Award of Excellence winner and her award is presented in partnership with Greenwood Park Mall. The award is renewable up to four years and valued at $10,000. Olivia graduated from Brownstown Central High School and plans to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana and major in Foods and Nutrition.

Sierra Kelley is a Simon Youth Community Scholarship winner and her award is presented in partnership with Greenwood Plus. The one-time award is valued at $1,400. Sierra graduated from Mooresville High School and plans to attend IUPUI and major in Accounting and Finance.

Alexa Poynter is a Simon Choice Award winner in partnership with Castleton Square Mall. The one-time award carries a total value of $700. Alexa graduated from Pike High School and plans to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana and major in Apparel Design and Technology.

Brandy Smith is a Simon Youth Academy scholarship winner. Brandy is a graduate of the Simon Youth Pacers Academy, and her award is presented in partnership with Washington Square Mall. The award is renewable for a total of up to two years and carries a total potential value of $7,700. Brandy plans to attend Ivy Tech’s Central Indiana campus and major in nursing.

Chase Watson is a Simon Youth Community Scholarship winner. His award is presented in partnership with Clay Terrace. The one-time award carries a total value of $1,400. Chase graduated from Hamilton Southeastern High School and plans to attend Indiana University - Bloomington and major in Business and Finance.

A Graduation Season to Remember

As the 2013 spring graduation season comes to a close, here is a wrap-up of some of the featured coverage the graduates and the Foundation received. Simon Youth Academy graduations were featured on several media outlets throughout the nation. As a result of SYF’s work, partner school districts are seeing increases in graduation rates, communities are finding better prepared and skilled graduates for employment, and more students extending their educational journey to post-secondary institutions.  

The 10,000th graduate of Simon Youth Academies was the biggest story of the graduation season. The surprise celebration event was covered by all major San Antonio TV outlets including Fox 29 News KABB-FOX during two newscasts, Eyewitness News KENS-CBS, Noticero 41 KWEX-UNIVISION, and News 4 San Antonio WOAI-NBC. See the coverage at:

KABB-FOX  

KENS-CBS  

KWEX-Univision  

WOAI-NBC  
Simon Youth Academy Class of 2013 

From FOX 29 Lake Charles, LA

The Lake Charles, Louisiana FOX TV affiliate channel 29 had a two minute piece on the local impact of the Simon Youth Academy at Prien Lake Mall’s graduation. The package featured students talking about their excitement for the future and the administrator Kenny Brown explaining why the Academy is important to the community. Watch the story.

High School Students Given a Second Chance to Graduate
From News 5 Nashville, TN

News Channel 5 in Nashville covered graduations at Simon Youth Academy at Hickory Hollow, Simon Youth Academy at Old Cockrill, and Simon Youth Academy at Opry Mills in Nashville, Tennessee. The piece gave a nice overview of how these SYF Academies are impacting individual students and the local area. Watch the story.

Peabody Learning Academy Graduates 50th Student This Year
From Peabody Patch, Peabody, PA

The Peabody Patch has featured many articles about the Simon Youth Peabody Learning Academy at Northshore Mall including this great piece about the graduation and scholarship presentation. This most recent piece highlighted the successes of 2012-13, including the graduation in late May.

Read the story.
View the pictures.

Simon Youth Pacers Academy celebrates 48 new graduates [LINK TO ONLINE ARTICLE AND PDF OF PRINT ARTICLE]
From Indianapolis Star online AND Indianapolis Star Print, Indianapolis, IN

The Simon Youth Pacers Academy at Washington Square Mall was featured in a picture slide show and article on indystar.com, and followed the next day with a cover story in the Metro News section. Being featured in a Thursday newspaper is ideal timing as more than 400,000 subscriptions are for the Thursday and Sunday only package. Read the story.