Local Teen Teaches Tennis to Afterschool Program Students

Girl Scout Anah Oozeerally has created a tennis clinic for the fourth grade students enrolled in the Project Launch Newton program at the Merriam Avenue School in pursuit of her Gold Award. Oozerally is a member of the tennis team at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta. The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in girl scouting, and recognizes girls who demonstrate leadership in the creation of sustainable community programs. Oozeerally devised a series of lesson plans to teach all sixty children enrolled in the popular after school program at the Merriam Avenue School, and marshalled donations of new and used tennis equipment, including rackets and balls, from friends, family members and local businesses. Not only will the students learn basic tennis skills, but they will also take home valuable lessons about nutrition and healthy eating. The program will be carried on next year by the boys’ tennis team at Pope John.

“I am part of my high school tennis team and I know that tennis is not a common sport for children in this area. I decided to do this program at Project Launch Newton because I knew that the kids would already be there and it was a good way to help my community,” remarked Oozerally, who is also able to take advantage of the tennis courts adjacent to the Merriam Avenue School for the program. “Hopefully, some kids will develop a love of tennis, and they will also learn that healthy eating isn’t hard and being active isn’t hard.”

“We are very grateful to Anah Oozerally for developing this program for the students in the Project Launch Newton program, and for working with the members of the Pope John tennis team to sustain it into the coming years,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency, the non-profit organization which oversees the after school program in the Newton School District. “Her efforts will have a long-lasting impact on these children.”

Project Launch Newton is a free afterschool enrichment program for students in grades 4 – 8 conducted by Project Self-Sufficiency in the Merriam Avenue and Halsted Middle Schools. Children receive homework help and a healthy snack, and then participate in a variety of activities centered on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) themes. Physical activities and other topics are incorporated into the curriculum. Throughout the year, students create their own STEM City following the renowned MicroSociety curriculum, conduct a TREPS marketplace, and learn from volunteer mentors about careers, nutrition, personal safety and other topics. Monthly Family Fun Nights allow parents and siblings to enjoy dinner and learn about recent program activities and upcoming events.

Project Launch Newton is funded with federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title IV, Part B, 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grant funds through a grant agreement with the New Jersey Department of Education. For information about the afterschool enrichment program, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500, or visit the program’s website, www.projectlaunchnewton.org.