This summer, Mahtomedi Community Education launched Zephyr Strong Jr., a new strength and movement program for middle school students created in response to parent feedback.
Led by MHS Class of 2002 alum and coach Tony Madline and teacher and coach Matt Oswald, the program brings together middle school students, MHS alumni, and current MHS student-athletes. The coaches and high school mentors offer encouragement, share their experiences, and help the younger athletes become familiar with MHS athletic spaces and resources.
The focus isn’t on lifting the most or moving the fastest. Students are encouraged to define what their personal success looks like and work towards it. Through age-appropriate activities, coaches emphasize proper technique and confidence in movement while making sure students are having fun along the way and building strong relationships with their peers.
For its first run, the community response was strong. 63 students participated this summer, and additional space was opened to meet the overwhelming interest.
This is what community partnership looks like: families identifying a need, Community Education creating an opportunity, community members sharing their expertise, and student leaders supporting students. Click here to see Zephyr Strong Jr. in action.
Interested in continuing this work in the fall? Zephyr Strength Development is open to students in grades 6-12 (co-ed) and begins in November. Click here to register.