Azusa Pacific University’s Anjelica Juarez, M.A., manager of Community Advancement Programs, and Diana Rudulph, M.A., assistant professor in the Department of Exercise and Sports Science, joined 10 students from Gladstone St. Elementary in Azusa with the Build Our Kids Success (BOKS) program, as they unveiled a new Reeboks children’s line of shoes on the NBC “Today Show,” Wed., Dec. 14.
BOKS is a before-school physical activity program designed to jump start kids' brains and prepare them for a day of learning. The program combines play, physical activity, team games and short talks on nutrition to create healthier habits for children to achieve life-long fitness. APU student instructors work with Rudulph to promote the profound impact of physical activity on a child’s mind, body, and community.
APU’s partnership with BOKS began in the spring of 2012 with 1 class of 20 students at an Azusa elementary school. Now the largest partner on the West Coast, APU’s partnership with BOKS includes 7 BOKS classes in 4 local elementary schools serving approximately 280 kids per week, with one adapted class for kids with special needs. The Office of Community Advancement Programs manages BOKS, employing APU exercise and sports science majors to lead the exercise classes, which gives them experience working toward their degree. The office sponsors the BOKS program at no cost to Azusa schools.
Hosts from the “Today Show” were each asked to pick a non-profit organization to feature and partner with to raise awareness about their cause. As a runner with a passion for healthy living,"Today Show" host Natalie Morales selected BOKS. The organization encourages added physical education in schools and the fight against childhood obesity, which aligns with her personal passions. As part of her partnership with BOKS she assisted in the design of a new Reebok shoe. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this shoe will go to support BOKS programs in local schools.
View the segment on the "Today Show"
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