When Students at the Center expanded into three new schools this year, it was able to incorporate new possibilities for the students. Not only were there more classes in creative writing, journalism, and Black Studies, but after school programs were also created with the help of the SAC teachers and students. At John McDonogh, the SAC class found ways to blend writing and yoga. Thanks to Senator Paulette Irons for helping to secure funding for the program at John McDonogh.

Here are three pieces about health and writing from the Trojans:

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The Beauty of Yoga

"Stretch to the sky and on your next nature breath-release . . ."  Have you ever felt like you were inside yourself? Have you ever really felt your breath? Have you ever really heard yourself? Have you ever really felt good with yourself, just being yourself? Yoga is a way of releasing your creative being. Just imagine being somewhere out in the open, where the sky is clear blue, the sun is shining bright and a cool breeze blows, sending you into a peaceful state of mind, complete bliss. The air you breathe in seems to revitalize your soul, removing all stress you carry. Your body is light, with only the ground supporting it. You never want to leave this peaceful place. This feeling comes from practicing yoga. It keeps you in contact with your inner self. This is an extraordinary practice. Every other week our Students at the Center class has yoga with Sean. The other students don't know about yoga. When they see us practicing, they look at us as if we are trippin'. It is a shame they don't know, because this practice is so beautiful.       --- by Crystal August & Tynesia Robinson