At Kenwood, the SSA program, which stands for Sports Science Academy, aims to provide students with reasoning skills, introduce new techniques, and offer a variety of classes, some of which are more challenging. The program actively participates in basketball events, field trips, and promotes student reading. It welcomes students interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary core curriculum and exploring careers in sports, health, and fitness, including sports medicine. Some Kenwood students find the program valuable as it provides them with a new approach to learning and opportunities to discover future references. Aubrey H, a Kenwood student enrolled in the SSA program, emphasizes its significance: “The SSA program is important at Kenwood because it provides a new, informed way of student learning.”
The SSA program at Kenwood also hosts events such as Play Day, now referred to as Awesome Activity Day, and the 5k, where honor roll students, athletes, and avid learners are invited. They learn new skills through these programs and can socialize with new people. Participating schools include FALS students from Chesapeake, Patapsco, and Kenwood.
When discussing Awesome Activity Day with Ms. Jones, she explains,”It is when students from all around Baltimore county participate in a field day at Kenwood High School. It took place on March 20, 2024, and it allows students to exercise their leadership skills by facilitating different physical education stations.” This event not only allows students to meet new people from all around Baltimore County but also enables them to gain exposure to individuals with diverse needs. Ms. Jones emphasizes, ”It’s important for students to participate because exposure to diverse needs allows them to gain empathy towards others and raise awareness.”
On the other hand, Awesome Activity Day and the 5k event serve distinct purposes. Ms. Huffman clarifies, “The Memorial day 5k aims to raise funds for charity, support combat-injured veterans, and it helps students to learn to plan events and contribute to a charitable cause.” Scheduled for May 21, 2024, during first and second periods, the 5k event, like Awesome Activity Day, welcomes honor roll students, athletes, and avid learners who fulfill their responsibilities. Ms. Huffman adds, “The 5k is beneficial for students because it allows them to learn new skills through event planning. This is the second-semester project, following the planning of a basketball game in the first semester.”
Furthermore, SSA 11 is hosting a 5K event in May at Kenwood to raise funds for the Catch a Lift Foundation, which supports wounded combat veterans by providing gym memberships or gym equipment. A donation of $2,000 provides these services for one veteran. The organizers seek support to achieve or surpass their fundraising support, ensuring our veterans receive the assistance they need.
