Crete January

Newsletter

Happy New Year Everyone! While there is so much going on in the world that might be discouraging, I am writing to tell you that there are simultaneously beautiful things happening in the world. Our school community has received an outpouring of support and generosity over the past few months and we are truly grateful.

 

This week, I read a report conducted by McKinsey and Company that both troubled and encouraged me. The report found the following:

 

"There are four Black CEOs in Fortune 500 companies. At parity with the Black US population, the number would be no fewer than 60."

 

While I am not surprised by this information, I am inspired by the work we do everyday and our journey. Crete's student population is 68% Black and 32% Latinx, meaning we are reaching and educating the next generation of leaders of color. Maybe, just maybe, one of these kids is a future CEO.

 

I am thankful to each of you for contributing to this feat.

 

As we say at USC, "Fight On!"

 

 

Crete Academy Christmas Giveaway

Thanks to Linda Harris, Tiffany Bowhay, Natalie White and Ron Regenstreif, our last day of school was a pajama day, followed by a Grinch-themed Christmas breakfast, a train ride around the playground and Christmas gifts for all 228 students.

 

You may be thinking to yourself, "so how does a meal or a Christmas present actually change a child's life?" A doctor explained it to me like this:

 

Because many of our students suffer from continuous traumatic stress disorder (CTSD), they have increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol. Having high levels of these hormones for prolonged periods of time can cause health issues and inhibit critical brain functioning.

 

Every time our students receive a meal, present, smile, hug or encouraging word their adrenaline and cortisol levels decrease and their levels of oxytocin and dopamine increase. And, you guessed it, oxytocin and dopamine cause our cells to rejuvenate and stimulate brain functioning. These changes can be measured metabolically. Consequently, every positive moment for our students results in a physiological change, that over time, will change the trajectory of their lives.

 

The doctor concluded by saying, "I don't think you really know what you're doing here."

See More Photos!

Caroling with D Smoke

During the holiday break, Crete students joined D Smoke for caroling at foster homes. At one home, a teen girl was so moved by the caroling that she began to cry. Read more about the event and D Smoke at the following websites: Billboard and BET!

Check out more Crete 2021 highlights in our photo gallery!

 
Photos

Thank You to Our Donors and Volunteers!

Magic Johnson Enterprise

Universal Music Group

Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.

Johnson and Johnson

California Wellness Foundation

Elbaz Foundation

Tiffany Bowhay

Linda Harris

Ron Regenstreif

Poncher Family Foundation

Renee Moilanen

Benjamin Suber

Jeffery Janger

Kelly Herring

Emmanuel Mabanga

Kathryn Duecker

Lucinda Perez

 

 

Donate to Crete

Please remember to shop www.smile.amazon.com

and select "Crete Academy" as your charity of choice.

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6103 Crenshaw Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90043
323-791-1600

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