America SCORES 2022 Kicker! Magazine

CREATE YOUR OWN HAIKU

A haiku is a Japanese poem that has 3 lines. There are 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third. Good Luck!

Un haiku es un poema japonés con 3 líneas. Hay 5 sílabas en la primera línea, 7 en la segunda y 5 en la tercera. ¡Buena suerte!

Dear America SCORES poet-athletes,

In the beginning of 2022, I had the honor of being selected as the new America SCORES national Executive Director. Before joining America SCORES, I experienced many things and traveled to many places across the globe. In many ways, words and sports have been my passport to the world. But I started as an inner city kid in a city and classroom just like yours.

As I write this to you, I feel like I’m writing a letter to my younger self. When I was your age, I was filled with so much energy and so many ideas but they were trapped inside me. I didn’t have a safe place to release my energy and I was afraid to let my ideas out. That was an awful feeling. When I found sport and spoken word, my energy and my ideas finally found a home. I could run, jump, and kick without apologies or guilt and I could speak my mind and heart without fear or embarrassment.

I didn’t have a program like America SCORES so it took me a while to find my freedom of expression. I’m so happy that you have America SCORES, your coaches, and your teammates so you can find that escape as well. The games you play and words you write today will live on forever in your hearts and minds. I don’t remember every point scored or every line written from my youth, but I remember my teammates and my feelings well. I remember the sadness of losing and of wanting to give up. I also remember the joys of winning and the pride I felt for getting back up and trying again. I remember the frustration of looking at a blank page for hours trying to find the right words to match my feelings. And when I finally found the right words, I recall the fear of sharing those words with others. I remember the first time reading my work in front of a crowd and looking out expecting to hear boos but instead hearing applause and seeing smiling faces. Those memories are gifts that I still open and give myself when I feel doubt.

Reading your poetry and watching you play gives me that same inspiration, pride, and joy. During your lives, you will have more moments of fear, doubt, and disappointment. That’s normal and nothing to be ashamed of. So let me give you a prediction, some advice, and a request. My prediction is that you will have the confidence to get back up, overcome your fears, and get over your disappointments. My advice is to give yourself permission to be your true selves and show yourselves to others because you’re wonderful and worthy to be seen and heard. My request is that you help others when you see them down and doubting themselves. Continue to play freely, speak freely, and help lead others to that freedom.

Best Wishes, Icy Jones

An international youth development nonprofit, America SCORES provides free after-school programs and summer camps that build teams through a unique combination of soccer, poetry, and service learning.

This year, America SCORES poetathletes returned to the playing field and the classroom safely, with the support of SCORES staff, coaches, and mentors. We committed to meeting poet-athletes where they are most comfortable, taking into account the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustices they experienced over the past two years. In 2021, America SCORES served over 11,000 poet-athletes across 11 cities internationally, with the help of over 1,500 coaches and volunteers.

We have years of data proving that poet-athletes have greater class participation and, in turn, achieve higher academic performance than their non-SCORES peers. As we continue to navigate through these tumultuous times, America SCORES is committed to supporting families, kids, and communities in the return to in-person instruction, and continuing to be a leader in developing brave spaces where poet-athletes can be their whole selves.

252 SCHOOLS 775

VOLUNTEERS

809 COACHES

America SCORES inspires urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world.

2021 Spotlight!

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE POET-ATHLETES, COACHES, AND TEAMS WHO MAKE AMERICA SCORES GREAT

ThisisKayla!

From Captain to Coach

Kayla’s SCORES journey begins when she joined Boston SCORES as a participant in 2019 with the high school program. She even became her team’s captain within two years of being with SCORES! Because of her great experiences with her team, Kayla stayed after graduating from the high school program to be a coach in 2021, while also going to school at Northeastern University. “I came back as a coach for Boston SCORES because soccer has played a major impact on my life that I aspire to lead and coach others with my own experience.”

As a participant in Boston SCORES’ high school team, Kayla made some great memories with her team. She always pushed to be her best self on the pitch, regardless of the score, and played well in her position as a midfielder. Because of her dedication, she was able to play in midfield for all of her matches. Her last spring season as a player was her favorite because of the connections she made with her fellow teammates. During her time as a coach, she has built connections with the young women she mentors and helps nurture their confidence and skills on the pitch. Kayla’s team won the first game of that season because of their great teamwork skills and support from their amazing coach!

A piece of advice Kayla has kept from her time as a player was that she always challenges herself to be the best version of herself. She gives the same advice to the players she coaches now: “One piece of advice I’d give to the players will have to be that if you want to grow as a player, then you have to be willing to always challenge yourself and your limits.”

Looking back on her time as a Boston SCORES alum, Kayla really enjoyed being a part of the high school program. She says that Boston SCORES allowed her to grow as an athlete and a leader, in addition to opening avenues for new opportunities.

PS 382 Learn In-Person Once Again

Coach Natalie and Coach Madonna from America SCORES NY share with us how their team adjusted to inperson learning after a year of virtual programming.

The year 2021 brought new challenges and excitement to teams across our affiliate network, and America SCORES New York is no different. PS 382 continued programming online at the start of last year, where Coach Natalie and Coach Madonna were inspired by their poet-athletes’ dedication to being a part of the team.

When Coach Natalie and Coach Madonna planned for an in-person return to programming last year, they knew

“We had students join meetings from car rides and doctor visits- that’s serious dedication!”

- Coach Natalie

their poet-athletes were looking forward to being face-to-face just as much as they were. Much of their team had not experienced in-person learning before, and they were learning how to play soccer and write poetry with their teammates for the first time. Coach Madonna says it was important to give poetathletes a chance to be themselves again, “It’s refreshing to be in a space where poetathletes are accepted and celebrated for exactly who they are. We all have something to contribute and we are all in this together as a team.”

Returning to in-person learning also reminded Coach Natalie and Coach Madonna about the importance of creating a space for community and how amazing these spaces can be when adding soccer and poetry to the recipe. Because poetry and soccer activities allowed for lots of team-building opportunities, transitioning to in-person instruction was much easier.

The last year was filled with great momentsCoach Natalie shares how she loved finally putting on her “Coach” jersey and hoodie for practices, watching poet-athletes Justin, Arizeyda, and Cristian perform at ASNY’s first-ever Block Party Poetry event, and seeing poet-athlete Gael win his first award! “The energy our poet-athletes brought into the inperson space was palpable; they were just so excited to see and interact with each other face-to-face.”

Coach Madonna says she loved reuniting with her poet-athletes in person, watching Gael perform at the virtual poetry slam, and seeing Yarell show off his America SCORES shirt under his school uniform.

.”- Coach Madonna 

“We still have a ways to go, but much like the ‘Believe’ sign in Ted Lasso, I have faith that our fledgling team will one day spread its wings and learn to fly

Coach Sarah Shares About Their Time With Canada SCORES

CoachSayhitoSarah!

Coach Sarah McCarthy has been playing soccer since they were 6 years old and has been involved in coaching since the age of 12. They joined Canada SCORES Vancouver as a coach because they were immediately drawn to the unique combination of soccer, poetry, and community service. They have coached Canada SCORES poetathletes for the past 2 years and are now a Program Coordinator.

During their first year coaching with SCORES, Sarah loved making meaningful connections with poetathletes and seeing them grow over that season. From community projects which improved their teamwork abilities to soccer training that developed their fitness and skills as players, Sarah always felt proud of the milestones their poet-athletes reached. And when it comes to poetry, Sarah says the poems they create are so thoughtful and expressive, and seeing their creativity blossom throughout the year is a

“SCORES programming is extremely valuable to the youth involved and I feel grateful to be able to work with such amazing students

great experience. Some of Sarah’s favorite moments with SCORES happened during this first year—they fondly remember the heartfelt cards they received from their poet-athletes at the end of summer camp. When the pandemic began and all Canada SCORES programming was moved online, Sarah faced new challenges as a coach to keep instruction accessible and poet-athletes engaged. They worked closely with other coaches to ensure that poet-athletes were getting the support they needed, especially due to a lack of inperson interaction. When asked about how that changed the way they approached coaching, they say, “The most important thing to keep at the forefront of your coaching toolbox is that different students require different approaches to learning and developing in different situations.”

Sarah is looking forward to continuing in their new role as a Program Coordinator and a coach for poet-athletes, especially as programming moves back in-person

this year. Some of the great events they are looking forward to: Canada SCORES’ annual poetry slam in February, where poet-athletes perform the poetry they created over the fall season, as well as the Shout event showcasing poet-athletes’ community service projects. And of course, all the great soccer events coming up!

The most important thing that Sarah takes away from their time coaching is guiding their poet-athletes to develop not just as soccer players, but as teammates and friends.

“Seeing poet-athletes become strong leaders, communicators and motivators to their peers; seeing confidence flourish as they hone their skills—it is so special to be a part of this . ”

AMERICA SCORES MILWAUKEE AND BIRTHDAYS IN A BOX

After a year of virtual writing and soccer activities, the summer was a time to get back together in person! SCORES poet-athletes came back to the classroom ready to address inequalities they saw in their neighborhoods during the pandemic. At Browning Elementary School, poet-athletes decided to address homelessness in their community by partnering with the Sojourner Family Peace Center to begin a Birthday in a Box program!

Students then held a community-wide party supply drive to collect party favors, tablecloths, and paper products for both boys and girls. They collected enough supplies to create a year’s worth of monthly party packages that the shelter could use for families that had a birthday during their stay. Students celebrated their success with a day of assembly and birthday treats!

AMERICA SCORES CLEVELAND FOOD BAGS

America SCORES Cleveland poet-athletes took initiative with a way to give back to their communities last spring and summer! Poetathletes at Michale Zone and Collinwood rec center worked together to prepare packaged food bags for those who came to the recreation centers. The bags contained some snacks, such as granola bars and fish crackers, and a juice box. Students decorated the bags with positive sayings and fun drawings to bring a smile to those who used the rec center.

Friendship

Friendship to me means joy Friendship to me means loyalty Friendship to me means having fun Friendship to me means never letting them down

Friendship is justice and joy Friendship is love

Justice is respect Justice is the law Justice is freedom Justice is rights

Friendship is justice and joy Friendship is love

Friendship is like an amusement park There are ups and downs Friendship is cool like ice cream It comes in different flavors

Friendship is like soccer We need to work as a team Friendship is like a question You don’t know what will happen

Friendship is justice and joy Friendship is love

Friendship is a source of happiness It matters

Friendship can be with the same people It’s a pattern

Friendship is awesome It is the best thing Friendship is no violence It makes us sing!

HENRY GREW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Group Poem Boston SCORES

our feelings feelings

gratefulI am thankful for my parents, school too. When I go to school there are many things to do. Canada SCORES helps me get through. When I am at home there is lots of food. I am thankful for my immune system crew. They stick to the viruses like glue. I am thankful for water which is nice and blue. There are other things that I am thankful for too.

MATTHEW W . 4th Grade Canada SCORES Vancouver

my colors

Green is how I feel when I am delighted Like when I touch animals from the zoo Black is how I feel when I am mad Like when I build something and someone destroys it rudely Gray is how I feel when I am scared Like going to the school bathroom alone Brown is how I feel when I am disgusted Like when I smell rotten food Purple is how I feel when I am dizzy Like when someone makes me spin and I get seriously nauseous These are all the colors in me

SEBASTIAN H . 5th Grade

America SCORES Milwaukee

I have feelings because I’m a person

I have feelings because I’m a girl

I have feelings because I’m amazing

I have feelings

TY’YONNA W . 5th Grade America SCORES Seattle

our colors of emotion

Most people are limited to what their eyes can see, But the color of my skin, doesn’t define me,

My future is promising and paved with gold, Like the crowns of my people before they were captured and sold,

Fierce as a bull, who’s eyes locked on red, Thick as the blood, that my ancestors shed, Flawless and blue, like the cloudless summer skies, Or the blues I may sing with tears in my eyes,

Focused on the green, not just for myself, But the kind that feeds the family, that generational wealth,

We all play in purple, don’t get lost in the haze, If at first you slept on us, you’ll leave out amazed, Bright orange and yellow, like the flare of the sun, Or the fire inside, that burns until we won, What hides in the shadows, always comes to light, There’s more to us than black and white

KIMBALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Group Poem DC SCORES

joy and freedom

Joy is when I see my mom so happy she has her nails done

Joy is when I can play on my x-box

Joy is able to be myself without hiding it

Joy is five minutes extra recess

Joy would be donating 1,000 dollars to charities

Joy is when I go to sleep not go to school and keep on sleeping until noon Joy is eating sweet cupcakes

Joy is liking my life

Joy is when my parents take me to the soccer field to play Joy is when we get a snow day and we don’t have to go to school Joy is going out with my friends

Freedom is making good choices that keep me out of trouble making my parents proud Freedom brings joy when my team score a goal Freedom is when I don’t have to disguise myself in order to go to school Freedom is having a hero Freedom is when people can go to school to learn Freedom is getting a pencil and just getting to work. Freedom is equal rights for the world

Freedom and Joy is when I am able to hang out with my bestie Freedom and Joy is when I get to dress how what I want without someone judging me Freedom and Joy is when I am included in something fun

Freedom and Joy is when I don’t have to worry when someone is judging my skin Freedom and Joy is when I don’t have to hide from the military Freedom and joy is when my heart open and allow wonderful things to flow into my life Freedom and joy is going to school without getting judged

Freedom and Joy are doing the right thing when you want to do the wrong thing, so let’s work together to have freedom and joy!

PATRICK J . KENNEDY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Group Poem Boston SCORES

Who I Am

I Am From

I am from SkyZone Loud and bright Boing! Boing!

I am from cake Vanilla with confetti frosting Yum!

I am from lions King of the jungle Roar!

I am from gaming FortNite and Call of Duty

I am from Summer Water parks and Wisconsin Dells SPLASH!

I am from school Educational and helpful

I am from family The people who raise and love me

These are things that make me interesting!

BRANDEN O .

5th Grade

America SCORES Milwaukee

Everyone is Different

Everyone is different and that is okay. You have to stay true to yourself either way. Uniqueness is not rare but most people do not care

As if we are all different snowflakes floating through the air Everybody is special in their own different ways. For example, we all have bad days.

It is my choice to be unique from the clothes I wear to the words I speak I am as free as a bird in a tree I choose to be me and spread my wings I fly to the stars and then land on the moon I will be myself and be better real soon If I can do that you can too The sky is the limit you be you.

JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMY Group Poem DC SCORES

A Recipe for Me

A dash of craziness.

cups of smartness.

tablespoons of responsibility. 1 cup of caring.

pinches of caring. 1 gallon of love. 1 bowl of caring. That, put together, makes me.

LIZETTE R .

4th Grade America SCORES LA

My Family

My family comes from a place where war has started.

Where trees whisper in the wind telling stories from the past.

I am proud of my heritage because it comes from ancient lands.

My family has taught me how to read, draw and other things. This makes me feel happy and comfortable. In my family we play, learn and laugh. Which is what I like to do.

I am from Syria Where I can play with friends and talk my language.

I am proud to be myself.

MOHAMMED A . 4th Grade Canada SCORES Vancouver

Who I am

I am somebody who likes to keep their work done.

My House

My house is a big family thing

I love my house because it’s big And I have a big room

I love my house because my dad Buys me a lot of clothes and books

He helps me when I need it.

My house is big and large when I need it. We have a pool and a swing. My house is the best to be.

I go to my mom when school is back in session

I go to my dad in the summer.

I love my house and I love to be there as I agree

JOSEPH E . 6th Grade America SCORES St. Louis

I am someone who came from hard working immigrant parents.

I am someone who looks forward to becoming successful and not giving up.

I like to be myself.

I’m unique in my own way and if I’m not myself then I’m not unique anymore.

I like to have faith in myself because with having faith I can do anything. When I go outside I see my mom watching me from the sky.

I see her protecting my family and still loving us.

Even though my mom is not with me she is always going to be in my heart. When I go outside I feel the wind blow on me.

I feel as if I’m in my own world.

I feel like I can express all my feelings out at once.

I am strong because I know my mom is besides me every day. My mom is always protecting me.

With her by my side I feel more braver than ever. I feel powerful when I know I can do this.

I feel powerful that I’m a strong responsible girl.

AILEEN L . 5th Grade America SCORES Bay Area

SARAH GORDEN

Sarah Gorden is a professional soccer player currently playing for Angel City FC as a defender. She began her career with the Chicago Red Stars in 2016, and became the team’s first Iron Woman by playing every minute of the 2021 NWSL season. In 2021, she partnered with Parichute to raise funds for America SCORES Chicago and give poet-athletes more opportunities to play soccer.

What is it like to play professional soccer?

Being a pro soccer player is such a challenging but rewarding career. It’s a balance between always wanting to achieve more but coming into the focus and flow of the present moment to do so. It’s also discipline and responsibility. Doing the work on the hard, uninspired days and knowing it’s bigger than just you but for the next generation of girls.

When did you decide to work towards becoming a professional soccer player?

After I had my son Caiden my junior year in college my vision became very clear that I wanted to work to become a pro soccer player. I thought that working hard and achieving my dreams would set an example for him to do the same.

Who were your role models growing up? Were there any soccer players you looked up to?

Like a lot of girls growing up in the 90’s and early 2000’s, Mia Hamm and the 99ers were my role models. I had posters of them all over my room. Lolo Jones was also a huge role model for me. I felt I could relate to her story.

I was also driven by a deep competitiveness to win and achieve which pushed me to always work hard at all the sports I was playing.

For you, what does it mean to be a leader on and off the pitch?

Being a leader to me is being authentic and true to yourself while still living your life in the best way you know how. Being a leader means being a role model both on and off the field. Using your skills, platform, and likeness as an athlete to affect the game as well as the community. I’m happy to be partnered with Parichute, who makes giving back to my community even easier!

What advice do you have for young girls who play sports?

There will always be someone who will tell you you’re not good enough or you can’t do that or you’re doing it the wrong way. At some point or another, that person may even be the voice in your head. Dont believe it. Keep going. You have the dream and the passion for a reason and we can’t wait to be inspired by you and watch you conquer that doubt and do great things!

TATIANA FIGUEROA RAMIREZ

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the mainland United States, Tatiana Figueroa Ramirez graduated with a B.A. in English Literature and is a VONA Voices alumna, having worked with Willie Perdomo and Danez Smith. She currently performs, facilitates workshops, and hosts events in the DC area, having previously done so across the United States and the Dominican Republic. You can read her work in The Acentos Review, among other publications and find her working with DC SCORES as the Associate Program Manager, Creative Writing. Tatiana is the author of Coconut Curls y Café con Leche (2019) and Despojo (2020)

Check out Tatiana's poem!

A Pillaging

My mouth a rich cave, carved in mahogany, lined with pearls & stemmed by rubies & rose quartz prayers. A land once untouched, flourishing with its own rhythms & hymns. Now a property Europe tears apart limb by limb to claim a corner. Spanish. English. Foreign. White attempting to excavate. Wanting to repaint & leave barren a fruitful natural wonder. My tongue splits across an ocean. Across continents. Across borders created to pull a body into pieces. It is unsure which salts will grow best in a vacated black hole, hoping crystals & precious gems will remember how to root in this earth again.

What got you started writing poetry, and what inspires you to keep going today?

I first started writing poetry as a form of self-care. I was very quiet and shy when I was younger, so it was really hard for me to express myself. However, a lot was still happening around me, so I needed to find a healthy outlet. I found writing to be natural for me and I enjoyed the liberty and rhythm found in poetry. As I continued to write poetry, I realized how much it was helping me, but also how much I enjoyed it. I discovered poets who I could relate to, who looked like me, who spoke like me, and who lived like me. But I have to admit it wasn’t until I started performing and attending performances that I decided to stay in poetry, specifically because of the community.

The poetry world, particularly in DC, is warm and loving. It is empowering and thoughtful. It creates impact and I could not give that up. I remember a young woman coming up to me after one of my first performances to explain to me how she saw herself in my poem and how grateful she was for that representation. At that moment, I knew my poetry was not just about me. It was much bigger than me. It was about each person who has struggled to see themselves represented as their authentic selves and I had to keep adding to that representation.

Many people get nervous when they go up on stage to perform, what do you do to stay calm and charismatic when you perform?

There are a few things that help me. For one, I like to mingle with folks. It makes me feel like I know the crowd a bit more and it creates a safer space for me. It also helps me be more interactive while I’m on stage if I’ve already been interactive before doing so. Another thing that helps is being prepared. I like to arrive early and know which poems I’m planning on reading, so I know what to expect and I can feel a bit more relaxed. During the show, I also work hard to pay attention and show my support. This helps me not only be more charismatic and interactive, but it also helps me circle back to other performances from earlier in the night and add to the positive, communal energy. When it comes to rituals, one thing I learned from a friend was to use rose oil, drink lots of water, and take deep breaths. I still do those things to this day.

What inspired you to work with poet-athletes as a part of DC SCORES?

Since I started working fresh out of high school, I have dedicated my career to working in the

nonprofit sector with a focus on working with marginalized and underserved youth. Most of that work has been in the arts and education sectors, so DC SCORES marries those interests of mine very well. Before working full-time with DC SCORES, I actually had the opportunity to work as a poetry specialist with some of our poetathletes and I loved it. Young people can be so inspiring and reenergizing that it’s hard not to want to work with them. Plus, I really believe in the impact of arts education on our youth and I appreciate the organization’s dedication to that growth as well.

What are some of your favorite topics to write about?

I love writing about an individual’s magic and power, particularly coming from the lens of someone who the system does not cater to. I also love writing about the environments that surround me. A lot of my poetry will reference the beach, flowers, and other parts of nature with some special nods to city life. I also tend to write a lot about my family, especially my mom and grandmothers. I think they along with being Puerto Rican helped shape a large part of my identity, so it’s almost impossible to not write about them.

What advice do you have for America SCORES poet-athletes?

My advice would be to remain as authentically you as possible. That means doing what you enjoy, standing your ground against things you disagree with, being proud of who you are, showing yourself kindness, and being willing to learn. There is only one you in this world.

Which poem did you share with us and why did you choose it?

The poem is titled “A Pillaging” and I chose it because I think it represents a lot of what I lived as a bilingual person and what a lot of folks go through as multilingual or multicultural folks. There is a certain pressure the world places on us to change who we are according to their standards; however, there is a tenacity to hold on to our roots and who we are. The beautiful, yet sad part is that I think most young people can relate to feeling this pressure even if not in the form of being multilingual. But it’s important to remember we really don’t have to lose ourselves at all.

Changing the World

If I Could Change the World

If

I could change the world

I’ll help others and be someone who inspires Everyone around me and ignite a fire So that they can save people’s lives Doing what we can to survive

If I could change the world

I would support those who are in need In the garden of life planting seeds Expressing myself through all forms forms of art

A change of mind and a change of heart

If I could change the world.

ARTEMUS WARD CORE BOYS TEAM

Group Poem

America SCORES Cleveland

I Wish

I wish we could all live in a world with no racism and no wars

I am blinded by this violence People trash talking People talking about war

I wish it could all stop I wish we could live in a world in peace

SEBASTIAN G . 5th Grade America SCORES Seattle

Change the World

i am a superhero who fights against bullying my super power is time stop i will use my super powers to help people sometimes it’s not easy to be brave because you can get hurt i show that i am brave when i do crazy things i will change the world by being nice being a super hero i can change my community i will help them

SANTIAGO S . 5th Grade America SCORES Bay Area

About Social Justice

Justice in the terms of distribution is Wealth Opportunities

Privileges

All within a society

Sometimes people need a change Always show respect and help others Love one another Create a safe environment Always be positive Believe in yourself

Stand up for yourself and others Equality is for you and me JUSTICE FOR ALL! We all can change the world

AYANNA L . & REBECCA S

.

4th Grade America SCORES New York

Days Do Pass While I Do Wait

The wind whistles in my ear Sitting upon a window slate While ghostly memories do appear They tell me all about my fate These prophecies that I do hear I hope when I complete them I'm not too late

Just sitting on my window slate

When night decides to consume our land And the shadows swallow light The fate of earth is in their hand And for justice we must fight the fight Or we’ll lose the tree skies and sand So we know what option is right We won't give up the end is in sight

BENJAMIN S .

5th Grade America SCORES LA

Dear United States

Dear United States,

My name is Stephanie and I am 13 years old. I want to tell you something important that hasn’t been untold: STOP IGNORING CLIMATE CHANGE.

It’s not a joke at all, it’s very real. I can’t stress this enough on how this makes me feel. Wildfires, rising sea levels, intense droughts, and heat waves. Humans and wild animals face new challenges because of climate change. Animals have been losing their homes. Every summer gets hotter and hotter. Antarctica is losing ice everyday, every hour.

As a country who holds so much power, some politicians sure do act like cowards! So Dear United States, please stop ignoring climate change.

STEPHANIE R .

8th Grade

America SCORES Chicago

Team work!

A Recipe For Teamwork

A handful of kindness 3 gallons of determination 2 cups of unselfishness

A half-pint of healing 1 liter of sportsmanship 3 cups of responsibility A pinch of good ideas 7 and a half tablespoons of companionship Mix it all together Bake for practices Serve on Game Day, and Share with all your friends.

BOYS CORE TEAM

Buhrer Dual Language Academy America SCORES Cleveland

It’s Time for Soccer

It’s time for soccer here we go Let’s get ready for soccer here we go And when I call your name get ready for the game And give me a word to describe our team

Ready for the game We’re leaders on the field Always staying ready

Ready for the game

We work as a team Helping others when they’re down Ready for the game Respect for each other We always stick together

Ready for the game We’re confident With our strength and our minds

Ready for the game Pride in our team whether winning or losing Aiton

Ready for the game Bears Our team is always ready

AITON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Group Poem DC SCORES

My Team

My team

We have a dream To hold a golden ball Cause we tried

My team Tries their best And when we fall We make sure to get back up

My team

Are the cardenas warriors Ready for anything And I wouldn’t have it any other way

My team Is determined to win So we won’t give up Until the very end BRANDON V. 7th Grade America SCORES Chicago

Team Spirit

Who are we?!

Electrocuted Cheetahs! Who are we?!

Electrocuted Cheetahs! Who are we?!

Electrocuted Cheetahs!

You know who we are?! No, I’ll tell you when we’re in a game and you fall We always get back up You have to stay strong Our name is the electrocuted cheetahs When we play soccer I get hyped up!

I think there’s two different parts I think the electrocuted part is our mental strength Like if you’re losing you can mentally say “We can still win” and actually end up winning the other part, the cheetah represents our physical toughness Fighting through until the end

To be an Electrocuted Cheetah

You need speed, strength, athleticism, motivation and pride Nothing can stop us from our cheetah stride!

Who are we?!

Electrocuted Cheetahs! Who are we?! Electrocuted Cheetahs! Who are we?? Electrocuted Cheetahs!

PUENTES BOYS TEAM Group Poem America SCORES New York

DOS

We are Umana

We are Umana, we are a team. Nosotros somos Umana, nosotros somos un equipo. Somos jugadores amables somos estudiantes responsables Somos niños y niñas muy amigables.

We are Umana, we are a team. Nosotros somos Umana, nosotros somos un equipo.

Somos una familia que comparte una pasión Nos gusta escribir poemas y jugar al balón. Somos como un volcán en erupción Porque entrenamos para los partidos con mucha emoción.

We are Umana, we are a team. Nosotros somos Umana, nosotros somos un equipo.

Somos jugadores que entrenamos para ser fuertes Somos estudiantes felices y perseverantes Nosostros nos alimentamos con comidas saludables Para jugar partidos memorables.

We are Umana, we are a team. Nosotros somos Umana, nosotros somos un equipo.

Somos inteligentes y sorprendentes Cuando metemos un gol todos unidos gritamos Goooooooooool!

Cuando el balón fuuuuiiii! Pum! Ingresa al arco contrario, Sin dejar más comentario,

We are Umana, We are a team. Nosotros somos Umana, nosotros somos un equipo.

MARIO UMANA ACADEMY Group Poem Boston SCORES

Our Schools!

BAY AREA

1460 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Daly City

Woodrow Wilson Elementary School

Hayward Eldridge Elementary School

Cherryland Elementary School

Burbank Elementary School

Glassbrook Elementary School

Palma Ceia Elementary School

Shaffer Park Elementary School

Tyrrell Elementary School

Ruus Elementary School

Oakland Allendale Elementary School

ASCEND Elementary School

Brookfield Elementary School

Coliseum Collegiate Prep Academy

Elmhurst Middle School

EnCompass Elementary School

Esperanza Elementary School

Fruitvale Elementary School

Global Family Elementary School

Greenleaf Elementary School

International Community School

Korematsu Discovery Academy

Learning Without Limits

Life Academy Middle School

Life Academy High School

Madison Park Primary Academy

Manzanita Community School

Manzanita SEED

MLK Elementary School

Oakland Academy of Knowledge

Prescott Elementary School

Sankofa Elementary School

Think College Now Elementary School

San Francisco “Tenderloin & Civic Center”

Bessie Carmichael Elementary School

Cobb Elementary School

Indochinese Housing Development Center (IHDC)

John Muir Elementary School

Redding Elementary School

Rosa Parks Elementary School

Salvation Army KROC Center Tenderloin

Up on Top After School Program

San Francisco “Mission & Crocker”

Bret Harte Elementary School

Bryant Elementary School

Cleveland Elementary School

El Dorado Elementary School

ER Taylor Elementary School

Flynn Elementary School

Guadalupe Elementary School

Hillcrest Elementary School

Joseph Lee Recreation Center

Junipero Serra Elementary School

Marshall Elementary School

Mission Education Center

Paul Revere Elementary School

Sanchez Elementary School

San Francisco Community School

TECA Elementary School

San Francisco Middle School

Everett Middle School Francisco Middle School

MLK Jr. Middle School

Paul Revere Middle School

TECA Middle School

Visitacion Valley Middle School

San Jose

McKinley Elementary School

Sylvandale Middle School

Ramblewood Elementary School

Cornerstone Elementary School

Washington Elementary School

Windmill Springs Elementary School

Empire Gardens Elementary School

Kennedy Elementary School

Dahl Elementary School

Kipp Middle School

Olinder Elementary School

San Rafael

Bahia Vista Elementary School

Coleman Elementary School

Davidson Middle School

Laurel Dell Elementary School

San Pedro Elementary School

Venetia Valley School K-8

BOSTON

29 Germania Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Charles Sumner Elementary School

David A. Ellis Elementary School

Dennis C. Haley Pilot School

Donald McKay K-8 School

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. K-8 School

Eliot K-8 Innovation School

Ellison Parks Early Education School

Gardner Pilot Academy

Henry Grew Elementary School

Hugh R. O’Donnell Elementary School

James W. Hennigan K-8 School

John F. Kennedy Elementary School

Joseph J. Hurley K-8 School

Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School

Mario Umana Academy

Orchard Gardens K-8 School

Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School

The Mather School

William Monroe Trotter K-8 School

Wolfgang A. Mozart Elementary School

CLEVELAND

3631 Perkins Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

Albert Bushnell Hart

Artemus Ward School

Buhrer Dual Language Academy

Franklin D. Roosevelt Academy

Garfield School

Marion C. Seltzer School

Robinson G. Jones School

Scranton School

Thomas Jefferson International Newcomers Academy

Wade Park School

Warner Girls Leadership Academy Willson School

CHICAGO

600 W Cermak Rd #204, Chicago, IL 60616

C.E. Hughes Elementary School

Cardenas Elementary School

Catalyst Maria Charter School

Eli Whitney Elementary School

Finkl Elementary School

Hamline Elementary School

Jungman Elementary School

LEARN Excel

LEARN 8 Middle School

Mason Elementary School

McCormick Elementary School

Orozco Academy

Pilsen Community Academy

Plamondon Elementary School

Sumner Math and Sciences Community Academy Whittier Dual Language Magnet School

DC 1140 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036

Aiton Elementary School

Amidon-Bowen Elementary School

Anne Beers Elementary School

Bancroft Elementary School

Barnard Elementary School

BASIS Charter School

Boone Elementary School

Brightwood Education Campus

Brookland Middle School

Browne Education Campus

Bruce-Monroe Elementary School

Burrville Elementary School

Capital City Public Charter School

Cardozo Education Campus DC International School

Drew Elementary School

E.L. Haynes Public Charter School

Francis Stevens Education Campus

Garrison Elementary School

H.D. Cooke Elementary School

Hart Middle School

Ida B. Wells Middle School

Imagine Hope Community Charter SchoolLamond Campus

Imagine Hope Community Charter SchoolTolson Campus

Inspired Teaching Public Charter School

J.C. Nalle Elementary School

Jefferson Middle School

Kelly Miller Middle School

Kimball Elementary School

KIPP DC: AIM Academy

KIPP DC: Key Academy

KIPP DC: Northeast Academy

KIPP DC: QUEST Academy

KIPP DC: Valor Academy

KIPP DC: WILL Academy

LaSalle-Backus Education Campus

Leckie Education Campus

Lincoln Middle School

MacFarland Middle School

Marie Reed Elementary School

Miner Elementary School

Park View Recreation Center

Paul Public Charter School

Powell Elementary School

Raymond Education Campus

Seaton Elementary School

Sela Public Charter School

Smothers Elementary School

Takoma Education Campus

Thomas Elementary School

Thomson Elementary School

Trinidad Recreation Center

Truesdell Education Campus

Tubman Elementary School

Turner Elementary School

Tyler Elementary School

Van Ness Elementary School

Washington Latin Public Charter School

Washington School for Girls West Education Campus

Whittier Elementary School

LOS ANGELES

3685 Motor Ave #110, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Braddock Drive Elementary

Charnock Road Elementary

Marina Del Rey Middle Palms Elementary Palms Middle Stoner Avenue Elementary

MILWAUKEE

7101 Good Hope Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53223

ALBA Elementary Brown Street Elementary Browning Elementary Clarke Street Elementary Gwen T Jackson Elementary Hayes Bilingual Elementary

LaFollette Elementary Lincoln Avenue Elementary Notre Dame Academy

Riley Elementary Thoreau Elementary Thurston Woods Elementary Todd Elementary (Beloit)

NEW YORK

520 8th Ave #201c, New York, NY 10018

Hamilton Grange Middle School

IS 104 The Fort Hamilton School

IS 121 Nelson A. Rockefeller

IS 95 The Gravesend School

MS 322 The Renaissance Leadership Academy

MS 443 New Voices School of Academic and Creative Arts

New Design Middle School

PS 04 The Duke Ellington School

PS 125 The Ralphe Bunche School

PS 139 Alexine A Fenty

PS 153 Adam Clayton Powell

PS 173

Dos Puentes Elementary

PS 192 Jacob H Schiff

PS 249 The Caton School

PS 375 The Jackie Robinson School

PS 98 Shorac Kappock

PSMS 161 Pedro Albizu Campos

The Mott Hall School

PS66 School of Higher Education

PS386 School for Environmental Citizenship

PS382 School for Math, Science & Technology

SEATTLE

2450 6th Ave S #203, Seattle, WA 98134

Bailey Gatzert Elementary

Dunlap Elementary

Maple Elementary

Hawthorne Elementary Highland Elementary Roxhill Elementary

ST . LOUIS

5415 Page Blvd, St . Louis, MO 63112

Belnor Elementary

Dunbar Elementary

Jefferson Elementary

Lucas Crossing Elementary

Northview Elementary Obama Elementary Walbridge Elementary Washington Elementary

VANCOUVER

3023-3713 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5B 0A7

Cedar Hills Elementary

Douglas Road Elementary

Edmonds Community School

Hjorth Road Elementary

Kirkbride Elementary

Lord Kelvin Elementary Mary Jane Shannon Elementary School

Qayqayt Elementary

Senator Reid Elementary

Stride Avenue Community School

Twelfth Avenue Elementary Windsor Elementary Fraser River Middle School

L.A. Matheson Secondary School

Graham Bruce Elementary School

Draw your favorite SCORES moment!

We’ve had a great year, let us know what your favorite part was! Hayamos tenido un gran año, ¡cuéntanos cuál fue tu parte favorita!

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Corwin Thomas BOARD CHAIR Marsh & McLennan Companies

Brendan Moylan TREASURER Sports Endeavors, Inc.

Holly O’Donnell SECRETARY Bazelon Center

Douglas Boggs Manatt, Phelps, & Phillips, LLC

Kate Carpenter America SCORES Milwaukee

Ben Chrnelich Symphony.com

Fabian Koss KC Social Impact Lab

Andrew Mack AM Global Consulting

Colin Schmidt America SCORES Bay Area

David Sheon Whitecoat Strategies

HONORARY BOARD

Bob Shay

Gale Griffin

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Bethany Rubin Henderson

PRESIDENT America SCORES National Network

Icy Jones EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AFFILIATE LEADERSHIP

BAY AREA

Johnathan Denholtz BOARD CHAIR

Colin Schmidt EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BOSTON

Laura Grattan BOARD CO-CHAIR

Chris Pike BOARD CO-CHAIR

John Maconga EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CHICAGO

Rocio Aldana

EXECUTIVE BOARD CO-CHAIR

Julie Ellafrits EXECUTIVE BOARD CO-CHAIR

Geoff Wilson GRANTS MANAGER

Aishwarya Sukumaran COMMUNICATIONS FELLOW

Kevin Yang CHAIR America SCORES Leadership Council

EDITOR

Aishwarya Sukumaran

Amy Mummery EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CLEVELAND

Lyle Leavitt BOARD CHAIR

Alison Black EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DC

Wally Okpych IV BOARD CHAIR

Katrina Owens EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LA David Shaheen BOARD CHAIR

Amy O’Dowd CO-DIRECTOR

Erikca Wilson CO-DIRECTOR

DESIGNER Elayna Speight Inked Designs

Miguel Aquino CO-DIRECTOR

Oscar Gonzalez CO-DIRECTOR

MILWAUKEE

Chris Thiel BOARD CHAIR

Kate Carpenter EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NEW YORK

Edison Bardowell BOARD CHAIR

Shannon Schneeman EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SEATTLE

Lorelei Heisler BOARD CHAIR

ST . LOUIS

Alex Fennoy BOARD CHAIR

Terrance Cauley DIRECTOR VANCOUVER Jon Lutz BOARD CHAIR Kevin Yang EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Power of Children's Poetry

Volkswagen Group of America continues to be a proud supporter of America SCORES and DC SCORES and recognizes each and every talented participant.

We’re a good partner, on the roads and in our community.

volkswagengroupamerica.com

Premium access to Athlete Foundry's first-in-the-Nation holistic development platform is available completely free for poet-athletes at America SCORES Bay Area, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and St. Louis. Please contact your affiliate for partner code information.

FACTSET IS PROUD TO SUPPORT AMERICA SCORES AND ITS TALENTED POET-ATHLETES!

THANK

YOU TO OUR SPONSORS