Post-Season Stories: Avion
Coach Lisa Jackson is a Speech Language Pathologist for School District #148 and has served as an ACE program leader for 3 years. Her passion for tennis and youth development, along with her determination, makes Coach Jackson an integral member of our team. Take a look at what she had to say about rising star Avion:
“I can’t wait ‘til tennis starts!”
I heard this comment repeatedly as I walked through the halls at the beginning of the year, here at Lincoln Avenue School in Dolton, Illinois. I smiled each time and replied, “Me, too!” This is my third year with The ACE Project and our program at Lincoln is thriving. Though I enjoy my role as a tennis coach, I mostly love smiling back at the kids as they participate in the program and leave us at the end of the day. Through the ACE Comprehensive Program, we provide not only tennis instruction, but also tutoring, academic enrichment and socio-emotional skill development. Not only have I had the opportunity to introduce tennis to our students but to watch their growth in many areas including social interaction skills and academics.
This year, we began working with our “seasoned” players as they move toward team play. To see them strengthen their foundational skills, learn the terminology of the game, and develop the skill set needed to work well with a partner has been awesome. The ability to work with others... what a great life skill! One of our team players, Avion, is a great example of the amazing students I work with throughout the year. Avion received the Advantage scholarship sponsored by The Sports Shed. This scholarship was awarded to 5 ACE youth in the Chicagoland area and is valued at approximately $3,000! His scholarship supports his continued efforts to becoming a better tennis player with enhanced coaching, tournament fee coverage, transportation cost, equipment and apparel (shoes, properly sized racket and clothes). He will be working directly with pros at XS Tennis in Chicago. Avion is not only eager to learn the game but does not hesitate to share his knowledge with our new players. He is one of the first to volunteer to help with setting up equipment and never says “no” when asked to do a task. We are very proud of him.
Avion (far right) kicks off the Advantage program at XS Tennis with his peers and Tina Sernett, Founder and Executive Director of The Sports Shed.
At the end of the fall ACE session, we always celebrate with certificates and treats. To watch the students laughing together and enjoying themselves is always heartwarming. Often our students are dealing with life stressors that keep them on edge, but when they are with ACE, they can kick back, laugh and have fun. I love-love being a part of the ACE Project!
“I can’t wait ‘til tennis starts!”