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At the Heart of the JFKExperience

F E A T U R E S T O R Y

SPORTS

JOHN F. KENNEDY · THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF QUERÉTAROJOHN F. KENNEDY · THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF QUERÉTARO

World ClassGolfer and

JFK Alumni

C O V E R S T O R Y

c l a s s ‘ o 4

SantiagoQuirarte

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vision To facilitate the balanced development

of our students; with commitment and respect for the local community

and a multicultural world.

Mirtha Stappung M.Ed., MA General Director

Debra Cortney MA Pre–school PrinciPal

Mark Dunn M.Ed., MA elementary school PrinciPal

Tara Fitzgerald Ed. Admin., MS miDDle school PrinciPal

Adrian Leece MA, BSc, FRMtS hiGh school PrinciPal

Arturo Bustamante athletic DePartment Director

Dra. Josefina Morgan Financial Director

Jeffrey Lewis oPerations anD services Director

Ing. Ángel De Lope Friedeberg , C.P. Benito Adolfo Tagle Jiménez, Arq. Matthew Schmidt

Covo, Dr. Raúl Gerardo Paredes Guerrero, Lic. Luz Ma. Aguirre Schoelman, Arq. Martha

Naranjo Romero, Dra. María Isabel Miranda Sauce.

BoarD oF Directors

Lic. Mónica Duarte BalcárceleDitor in chieF anD

chair oF the eDitorial BoarD

Lic. Karla Ríos Amarocontent manaGer

Mirtha Stappung, Mariana Hérnandez, Lucía Jiménez, Arturo Baez, Ramón Salce, Alejandra Burillo, Hayde Cabrera, Laura Vázquez, Alfredo Ávila, Elda Esponda, Rodrigo Quirarte, Santiago Quirarte, Arturo Bustamante, Dante Sepúlveda,

Mónica Duarte.Writers

Leonor Cortina ProoFreaDinG anD translation

sextosentido DesiGn & cover Photo

Karla Ríos, Víctor Ortega, Asbed Levi. PhotoGraPhy

alumni contact Virginia Watkins

vwatkins@jfk .edu.mxaDvertisinG sales

Karla Rios Ph. (442) 218 0075 ext. 1010

krios@jfk.edu.mx

Spring 2013vol. 1 no. 11 · may 2013

times message from our General Director

Coaching MomsAn essential part of our Sportsmanship

SPORTSAT THE HEART OF

THE KENNEDY

EXPERIENCE

FEATURE STORY

C O V E R S T R Y

C L A S S ' 0 4

JFK Sports

SPORTS

A Tournament to Remember

Our Comprehensive Physical Development Program

An Impressive Track Record

Class

Alfredo Avila

Elda Esponda

Rodrigo Quirarte

Player, Captain, CoachLearn Dante's inspiring life story

Adquiere un Seguro de Educación

17 años asegurando al JFK... dice mucho de nosotros.

Sin importar lo que pase...nosotros nos encargamos de que tus hijos terminen sus estudios.

josé ramón vela

tel o�cina 2233418 2134381

celular 442 1 81 71 45

calle del rio 107 residencial calesa 2nda secciónQuerétaro

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GO

JAGUA

RS

Dear ReadersOur school has always been a great place to build community. Sports are a fantastic way to feel that sense of belonging and share the enthusiasm for being a Jaguar within our grand JFK family. asomex tournaments have been a tradition at our school. Last month we had a chance to host the boys and girls soccer tournament where our Middle School and High School teams gave it their best during every game. We are very proud of the girls’ championship trophy as well as the third place trophy that our boys’ team was able to add to our trophy display case in the auditorium.

We all felt the tremendous positive energy that came from the cheering and clapping. This is what the sports program is all about:

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OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS BY OUR FACULTY OR STUDENTS

S ports are physical activities that involve rules within a given space be it a court,

board, table, etc. They develop a per-son’s physical as well as intellectual skills. Regardless of having team or in-dividual formations, they all strengthen our skills. At John F. Kennedy sports have been an important part of stu-dent’s development, both within and outside the school.

Elementary and Middle School students are invited to participate in sports by joining the Jaguar’s team or engaging in an activity outside the school. The Jaguar’s teams include male and female football, women’s vol-leyball and the track team. Students are encouraged from a very young age to get involved in sports with the goal of developing their skills and being active in a healthy and educational way. And

By Lucia Jiménez and Mariana HernándezJournalism Highschool

JFK Sports

teachers from different areas of sports coordination urge students to achieve the best combination of a range of activities in a fun way.

We had the chance to talk to Arturo Bustamante, our Sport’s Coordinator, and Cecilia Ponce, Physical Education Coordinator, about the importance of their area in John F. Kennedy School. Arturo told us how the Sports Area works toward the goal of achieving ath-letic as well as academic excellence, as part of the school’s Mission and Vision. The sports program within the school, and tournaments such as intramurals and asomex, take advantage of these activities as a way to improve overall performance and promote sports. He also spoke about the importance of keeping up with changes taking place in students as

The Sports Area works toward the goal of achieving athletic as well as academic excellence.

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BASKETBALL COORDINATOR

Sports have taught me values such as

discipline, effort, order, personal growth, re-

spect for the contender and following rules.

I focus my commitment in aspects such

as: developing healthy behaviors, forming

positive attitudes, improving motor skills

and perceptual abilities, avoiding prema-

ture specialization, prioritizing cooperation

over competition, and being an educator. I

believe our coaches and PE teacher

will be at the forefront of the

innovations and demands

required by increasingly

globalized world.

Arturo

Ramón

Baez

Salce

SOCCER COORDINATOR

Sports are more than a way of develop-

ing physical endurance, self-esteem

and health… they are a way of life! As

a high performance athlete, I learned

the can be my way of being, feeling

and enjoying life. As football Coordina-

tor I have the responsibility of guiding

the work of ten coaches, gearing their

objectives towards a common goal;

ten different personalities, working

with students from Preschool to High

School, in an average of twenty teams

competing and five forming children.

The school gives full support to its

coaches and coordinators. I believe all

elements are here to continue being

the best school in Queretaro.

As football Coordinator I have the responsibility of guiding the work of ten coaches.

I believe our coaches and PE teacher will be at the forefront of the innovations and demands required by increasingly globalized world.

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well in society in order to understand the student’s language and work with them in an interactive and current way. It was very interesting to hear him speak about the ways in which sports coordinators take into account today’s technology and how it can change the future. They know it is a challenge because it can alienate students from physical activity but they will take this opportunity to promote sports and not being left behind.

Cecilia Ponce talked to us about the Physical Education area and how all activities take place within a plan car-ried out by professional coaches who are trained constantly. Preschool and Elementary teach a series of basic and complex skills which gradually become more demanding. In Middle School activities are geared towards develop-ing physical endurance and abilities in certain sports. In High School the goal is to develop students’ skills looking to participate in various sports. Most

generations go through three differ-ent activities that allow them to reach better physical and emotional develop-ment.

Sports play a very important role in the development of skills in students at John F. Kennedy and coaches work to organize activities that contribute to the fulfillment of the school’s Mis-sion and Vision. They are an integral part of our school’s culture, bringing together students from different grades and ages so they can get to know each other better, as well as parents and stu-dents from other schools. Team work is an important factor that the school seeks to promote, which can be seen through the hard earned victories that have been reach through the efforts of students and coaches.

Sports play a very important role in the development of skills in students at John F. Kennedy and coaches work to organize activities that contribute to the fulfillment of the school’s Mission and Vision.

ACADEMIC CORNER

VOLLEYBALL COORDINATOR

Sports have given me the

opportunity to fulfill myself

in my personal and profes-

sional life. My commitment

as a JFK sports teacher is

to be a powerful influence in

student’s character forma-

tion and to help them realize

what they can achieve

through sports and great

discipline. My vision is to

consolidate the best and

most complete high quality

sports program.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Sports have great social and cultural impact in

transmitting values such as respect, respon-

sibility and commitment. I consider learning

how to win and how to recognize defeat, a very

important value. I am proud to be part of this

great team. Teaching every day enriches me

and allows me to keep growing. I believe our

program should form positive people commit-

ted to society with the knowledge they need

to be an integral part in the world.

Cecilia

Carlos

Ponce

López

My commitment as a JFK sports teacher is to be a powerful influence in student’s character formation.

I consider learning how to win and how to recognize defeat, a very important value.

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The JFK community has distinguished itself for encouraging sportsmanship in its students. We have won many nationwide tournaments and we take great pride in these accomplishments. This could not have been possible without parents whom, through constant support, have encouraged love of sports in their children. This is specially the case for coaching moms. We interviewed Mrs. Martha Naranjo, who talked to us about her experiences.

Why is it so important for parents to encourage their children to practice sports? It is important because it requires perseverance and commitment. When chil-dren are still young, they might not have yet devel-oped that skill. That is why having a parent encourag-ing and cheering him or her to come to practice, to commit to the team, to take pride in the sport, to par-ticipate voluntarily and not as an obligation, becomes very important in a child developing a habit.

In your opinion, how are physical health in chil-dren and sports related?

Coaching MomsAn essential part of our Sportsmanship

By: Alejandra Burillo Hayde Cabrera Ávila Laura Vázquez, High School Teacher

THE JFK SPIRIT

They are very closely re-lated because children who constantly engage in sports have a much better devel-opment. They become less likely to get sick, especially of respiratory illnesses; in winter a child athlete will fare much better.

Do you think sports also support their emotional health? Of course; practicing sports builds self esteem and character. It teaches them to work as a team and to endure frustration. When they do not win a match or when problems arise inside the team, they learn to develop their emo-tional intelligence.

Mother Coaches are chosen at the beginning of the school year —one for every team.

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Do you notice a change in attitude when your children are engaging in sports?Yes, the difference becomes evident in summer, when they stop having a constant rhythm; the loss of activity makes them restless. They might become moody and I believe this happens because of all the extra en-ergy they usually channel through sports.

What are the benefits of engaging in sports from a very young age?First, they will develop extraordinary motor skills; second, they will grow to be healthier, stronger and taller.

What do you think about intensive training? I believe it’s a matter of age; if the sport is appropri-ate to a certain age, even if training is strong, it will suit them fine. I do not

agree with strength train-ing, though. Carrying great amounts of weight will hinder their development or hurt them. I also believe children should feel free, engage in sports because they like them, without any foreign substances to boost their performance.

What is your opinion on sports injuries?Risk and injuries will always be there. I believe, with adequate training, muscles become stronger limiting injuries to sprains or tears that pose minor problems. But inadequate training and insufficient preparation can gener-ate injuries that will have lifelong repercussions.

How can parents encourage love of sports in their children?I believe there are many ways to do so. One of them is their parents’ example;

another is to make sure that they enjoy it, that they are not too pressured by it, so they can concentrate on playing and having fun, giving their best effort. Seeing their fam-ily admiring their efforts and their victories is also impor-tant.

How do you motivate your daughters to engage in sports?They are highly motivated; maybe its character or that they really like sports. I don’t need to encourage them much, because they have en-joyed it since they were little. I will cheer for them, massage them and make their meals so that they see their parents taking interest and pride in their accomplishments.

Have there never been moments when they have lost interest in sports? Yes; I believe this comes with adolescence and it’s very important to respect these

We are responsible for things working as they should, because it is our task to convene the team.

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changes. They might not be so competitive or train as hard as they previously did, but encouraging and forcing are quite different things. If they have truly formed a habit, they will come back to in on their own.

Have sports become a priority for your children?Definitely yes. Train-ing constantly, playing matches and going to asomex tournaments is very important to them and, fortunately, this has been coupled with good academic performance.

What does it mean to be a Coaching Mom?Our role is very important because we are in charge of communications between coaches and moms. There are announcements to be

made and gatherings to promote. We are in charge of such things as hydration for the players, uniforms and schedules. In short, we are responsible for things working as they should, because it is our task to convene the team.

Have you ever encoun-tered a mother that did not want to participate?It is not so much that they don’t want to; but that they might have several children and competitions to attend or that they work, which makes it hard for them to be there. Neverthe-less, their encouragement is essential to cheer them on and support them when their spirits are down.

Does every sport and team have this model?Mother Coaches are cho-

sen at the beginning of the school year —one for every team. But when they partici-pate with a team for several years, the tasks are shared. Moms are quite participatory and in most teams there are groups of mothers backing each other up.

How is the selection done?Mom coaches are designated at the meeting held by the Sports Department at the be-ginning of the year to inform us about tournaments and training regulations. She will be in charge of communica-tion, help the coach to inform about schedules, venues, last minute changes and matches canceled. She is the represen-tative, the liaison between mothers and coach. She will also raise money to give the coach a token of appreciation at the end of the cycle.

Training constantly, playing matches and going to ASOMEX tournaments is very important to them and, fortunately, this has been coupled with good academic performance.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

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tion trip we had the accident that left me in this wheel chair; a friend that was by my side, regrettably died. It was a miracle that I lived. At times it’s hard to see it this way, but I was lucky. I injured cervicals C6 and C7. Doctors are surprised because people with this kind of lesion are usually not even able to move their arms. I spent two weeks in intensive care, a year in bed, and then I trav-eled to Cuba where I would spend seven hours every day exercising. The time spent there, helped me see things from a different perspective, to understand that I couldn’t live complaining and de-pressed because of what had happened to me. I learned

I am thirty one years old. I studied at the Kennedy most of my life. It was my father who taught me to love sports, and it was he who, along with Luis Hoyos, father of my great friend, founded the first Kennedy’s soccer team. I remember we sometimes played at half time at the Gal-los Blancos’ games. We won scores of tournaments and matches but, above all, we enjoyed being together.

When I left the Kennedy, the UVM offered me a sports’ scholarship, but my goal was to become a professional player and I did not accept it at the time. I played for a while in Iguala, Guerrero, but it was not what I had expect-ed, so I returned and played

Player, Captain, Coach

By Dante Víctor Sepúlveda Mendoza

for the second division Gal-los’ team.

It was then my father helped me put things in perspective. I accepted the UVM’s scholarship and began studying Production Engineering. In 2001, when I was 20, I got married and later my daughter Monica was born. Those were tough times because I studied, trained, did my fellow service and worked on weekends, at a friend’s restaurant, but I en-joyed it intensely. I was team captain, we accomplished third place nationwide and I was selected to represent our country in the World Uni-versiade, to be held in Turkey that year.

On my way to our gradua-

THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

Dante’s inspiring journey shows how the love of life and sports will help you win life’s greatest challenges

I studied, trained, did my fellow service and worked on weekends, at a friend’s restaurant, but I enjoyed it intensely. I was team captain...

At times it’s hard to see it this way, but I was lucky.

HS

’99

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to see the positive side of things, to see the glass half full —instead of the half empty one—, to enjoy life.

Soon after, I decided to get on with my life. I was offered an opportunity at Vision Consulting, a software devel-opment company, where they have treated me well and I feel very good working.

A couple of years later, my friend Luis Hoyos invited me to join a team where almost everyone was a Kennedy alumni; I started directing. A year after, I was invited to manage one of the most prestigious teams in one of Queretaro’s most important amateur franchises, Const. García Vargas… better known as The Lemons, because of our striking green uniform. I’ve spent now four years with a responsibility that goes beyond telling players where to place themselves, and includes knowledge such as how to manage people, emotions and situations. By and by we are getting better; we are strengthening our discipline and commitment.

I constantly remind the team that we are here to play, to have fun, to do what we like. We will obviously aim

to win, but respecting our teammates comes first. Most of us are friends. This is why I enjoy so much being the leader of such a great group. My job with this team, got me invited to direct another team in the league and, later, to participate in the Liga Marista. Luis Fernando Soria, who was once my coach plays for this team… now, it is my turn to coach him!

Soccer is one of my great-est passions and I’ve never lost contact with it. It was very hard to find myself, suddenly, unable to play, but I’ve learned to enjoy it in a different way. Every Saturday and Sunday I happily get up and I’m always the first to arrive because it really makes me happy.

In life you will always face difficulties, but seeing them as challenges and opportuni-ties, is the key. Never give up, always give it all.

Without a doubt, people close to me have given me the support and the encour-agement I’ve needed to succeed. Mi daughter, above all, is my pillar. She is the reason I wake up every morn-ing to fight and get ahead. I love watching her grow and become a great person. My mother and sister have always stood by my side, helping me, staying awake, and caring for me through the tough times. My friends have never let me fall down (emotionally); they have sup-ported, cheered me, and have been with me through thick and thin. I thank them all.

In life you will always face difficulties, but seeing them as challenges and opportunities, is the key.

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We have a great commit-ment and responsibility to provide the best possible educational options and pro-grams for our students.

Our Physical Education Department (DFI) was created many years ago to meet the physical, sports and health needs of our students.

The work of physical edu-cation teachers and sports coaches is increasingly important in the overall edu-cation of students. Their pro-grams help to develop strong bodies and minds, instilling values and help to develop important skills needed for success in our world.

Our Comprehensive Physical Development Program

For this reason, the school strongly believes in keeping in the forefront of educa-tional innovation and the provision of continuous professional growth training for our faculty.

We provide comprehen-sive training to our athletes, while placing emphasis upon enjoyment of physical activity and companionship to others, while giving their best in every game.

Our “Jaguars" have a well-deserved reputation for their advanced level of sportsman-ship in competitive games. Winning at all costs has not been, nor will ever be, the ob-

A FOCUS ON OUR STAFF

By: Mirtha Stappung Ruff General Director

Our “Jaguars" have a well-deserved reputation for their advanced level of sportsmanship in competitive games.

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jective of our involvement in athletic events. Our motto is "Do your best, be your best". This phrase is lived daily in practice and in tournaments. Of course we also seek the glory of winning a match or a tournament and celebrate the triumphs.

Interaction and engage-ment with others through movement has been around since the origins of man. These days it is has evolved almost into a science. It is a discipline that encompasses sophisticated concepts and is increasingly contributing to a better quality of life for those who are involved - in

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this case are our students and their families.

Physical education and sports activities help to maintain a balance between the biological, psychological and social development in students as they adapt to life and its processes.

What could be more impor-tant than this to contribute to the health and welfare of the person?We provide physical education activities for students of all ages, from pre-school to 12th grade. Passion and enthusiasm are present in all students to represent the school and its teams. Teachers and coaches

spend many hours a day with students; to develop sports skills and promote healthy lifestyles.Some important contributions of physical education is to teach collab-orative skills, achieving goals, and teamwork. As part of that process, sports activities develop the qualities of will, educates students in the spir-it of competition, respect for opponents, teammates and themselves, and to respect the rules of competition.

Motivation also plays an important role in learning to achieve a goal. This may involve achievements in sports, aesthetics, health

Our motto is "Do your best, be your best". This phrase is lived daily in practice and in tournaments.

Physical education and sports activities help to maintain a balance between the biological, psychological and social development in students.

areas, or social and emotional development. Sports activi-ties encourage our youth to participate in physical ac-tivities and interaction with others.

The content of our programs mentioned above support balanced growth, a healthy body and mind, and values and attitudes that follow our students throughout life.

Sports experiences at JFK provide a huge opportunity for personal growth and de-velopment of young people; helping to build self-esteem and self-confidence, improv-ing fitness and strengthen their health and quality of life.

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SPORTS

From March 1 to 4, we were delighted to sponsor the asomex Tournament of football soccer, Categories Juvenile “B” Boys and Girls (students from 8th and 9th grades).

asomex (Association of American Schools in Mexico), is the organiza-tion which unites the entire American schools in our country and organizes dif-ferent sports competitions every year. Its goal is to pro-

A Tournament to Remember By: Mónica Duarte

mote healthy living among students of different states from the Mexican Republic.

It was an event organized with excellence, by the Physical Integral Develop-ment Athletic Department at JFK, which we will remem-ber with fondness and pride for the sportsmanship shown by all participants, for the football quality and for hav-ing gathered, after several years, 13 asomex schools from different states of the

PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR OUR MODEL OF EDUCATION

Girls’ team was the champion. Congratulations Girls!

Mexican Republic. Among hurrahs and cheers

from students, teachers and parents, the JFK campus became a party during the Tournament. 400 athletes, plus friends and families, enjoyed four days of intense soccer activity.

As in every tournament, a trophy is given for “Sports-manship”, this year the Co-legio Columbia in Tampico, received the trophy for both boys and girls categories.

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Boys’ team won third

place

http://goo.gl/gIIYJ

Watch the video!

Our Jaguars showed their JFK spirit and left us with a very good impression. Boys’ team won third place and the Girls’ team was the champion. Congratulations Girls!

Both host and visiting teams were happy and look forward to meet again in Querétaro.

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Entering our school, some of the most evident achieve-ments of our community’s ef-fort to continuously improve our facilities —the track, the courts and the auditorium we built together— stand proudly as visible signs of the importance we place in a healthy, integral develop-ment.

Watching the Kennedy grow has been an amazing experience but, knowing that each of us has been an integral part in this growth,

An Impressive Track Record

WHAT ARE WE UP TO?

Watching the Kennedy grow has been an amazing experience but, knowing that each of us has been an integral part in this growth, is even more compelling.

The improvement of our sports facilities

is even more compelling. Twenty five years ago, we had the soccer field, the athletic field, two basketball and one volleyball courts. Since then, we have seen very important changes. Our soccer field is in tip top shape; it now has a header of synthetic grass where we can carry on training and PE activities. A new soccer field —also of synthetic grass— with a lighting system allows for many more matches and requires very little mainte-

By Arturo Bustamante

nance. The athletic track has been asphalted. We have a new, lighted, multipurpose court where we can have any number of training sessions regardless the time of day. A new basketball court with roofed bleachers is used for a wide variety of activities, and our Auditorium —now featuring a brand new floor— is used for varied purposes that range from tae kwon do and PE classes, to alumni re-unions, theater presentations and exams; its forum ad-

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Light up the big soccer field

Build locker rooms

Install drinking fountains

Upcoming sports facilities improvements:

ditionally houses a complete gym where our students receive personalized assis-tance from a certified coach.

To sum it all up, the at-tention and effort we all have invested in our sports facilities, is something we should all feel very proud of. We now have more and better spaces that are used to full capacity by a com-munity that has made sports and physical activity a part of their life. We now face the challenge of maintaining them in perfect shape —which requires an important financial and human effort—

and to keep making our installations better.

Our next goals are to light up the big soccer field, so we can host many more match-es and training sessions; to build locker rooms, that will allow our students to shower and change, and to install drinking fountains that will make it easy for them to stay properly hydrated. We know that we count on all of you to make this happen and to leave your mark in our school —as we have seen committed families, students and directors do generation after generation.

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SPORTS

I have been at the Ken-nedy for 18 years now. The practice of sports

has always been —without a doubt— at the heart of the Kennedy experience and an integral part of our Mission. Beyond that, our sports and physical education programs have seen great improve-ments and will see many more in the years to come.

Twenty five years ago soccer was the only activity

By Arturo Bustamante

FEATURE STORY

AT THE HEART OF

THE KENNEDY

EXPERIENCE

in our afternoon program; basketball, volleyball and athletics came later. We had 100 students involved in very few teams. Now we have over 900 students participat-ing in 52 teams that include cheerleading, tae kwon do, ballet —we even had chess for a while— and for pre-schoolers, Tee ball (based on baseball), psychomo-tor activities and cachibol (based on volleyball).

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A linked PD Program and a certified staffThe most important change to our morning program along these years was link-ing objectives and activities from Pre-School through High-School, providing a sequence. We started by defining a graduate pro-file with specific physical, coordinative and behavioral capabilities to be developed. Strength, resistance and elasticity goals were estab-lished for every grade and

age to be reached, as well as coordination, knowledge about their body and health. Achieving discipline, toler-ance to frustration and team work, also became part of the goals. We wanted students to learn to win and lose, as well as be able to pass down their knowledge and skills and set an example to younger generations.

The second major change took place in our staff. The improvements to our faculty included the certification of all our coaches whom,

Twenty five years ago soccer was the only activity in our afternoon program... Now we have over 900 students participating in 52 teams.

The most important change to our morning program along these years was linking objectives and activities from Pre-School through High-School, providing a sequence.

aside from having a degree in Sports Education went through a certification process by the pertaining institutions. Regarding soc-cer, we have been host to the National School of Profes-sional Soccer Coaches for fourteen years now.

In the early days, coaches worked in different sections and were moved around in-discriminately. Now we have full time teachers in every section, allowing for a better follow up and knowledge of each student’s progress.

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They have specific goals to reach and, regard-less of the area of expertise, are experts on each age group. We also have a program for afternoon sports that includes age appropriate goals, driven by coaches in two year’s stages.

A new way of teaching

Looking to the future, we face a very interesting challenge. Four years ago, in an effort to strength-en our pe teacher’s capabilities, we carried out the International Physical Education International Congress in our school. The main goal was to update and train our staff, but the results went well beyond that: we discovered a whole new per-spective to teaching that made us see a need to change the focus of our student’s pe education.

Last year, the Congress was based on coopera-tive games. We had already learned the impor-tance of designing classes and programs that would make every student participate… this time around we discovered that the key of our program should be to drive every one of our students to achieve. What this means is, not only having everybody active, but to have everyone reach their

goal. This is how the old scheme where only the most skilled and proactive students get results, changes to a perspective where every student, regardless of their physical capabilities, attitudes or personality, experiences the social, emotional and physical benefits of pe.

This change, which implies redesigning our program and modifying attitudes, will surely take time but this new goal is, without a doubt, a very important opportunity for improvement and growth. It is a perspective that will also permeate our afternoon activities to create more balance teams and more well adjusted and happy students.

We are proud of being responsible for having helped to develop a culture of sports in our com-munity. More than 650 families are involved in the 52 teams that are enriched by parent’s support and participation. Soccer is our school’s strongest area. We have constantly obtained first place medals in asomex. But this is not the medal we want to bring home. The medal we want to win is for driving every team member to achieve his or her goal and to make all of our 1500 students include sports an essential part in their lives.

We discovered that the key of our program should be to drive every one of our students to achieve.

Achieving discipline, tolerance to frustration and team work, also became part of the goals.

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C O V E R S T O R Y

A world class golfer with a world class

attitudeOn his journey to

achieving an ambitious goal

—joining the PGA Tour— Santiago

Quirarte tells us what drove him to get this

far, and how he is aiming his next strokes to hit his mark.

C L A S S ' 0 4

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Becoming a world class golfer has always been your dream. Santiago, can you tell us how you achieved the goal of becoming Mexico’s best junior player?

was lucky to enroll at JFK since pre-school. My parents taught me

the importance of practicing sports, and at school I had the opportunity to develop this ability. I started play-ing tennis but at fourteen, a friend invited me to play golf. I liked it so much, that I began playing twice a month, then once a week, and soon I was playing every day after school. I’ve always liked challenges and competition. Two years after I started playing, I won the Mexican Golf Federation’s Junior National Tournament, which drove me to continue ascending. By the time my stage as a junior player was over, I’d been able to gain some important results, such as tenth place at The Junior World Championship

in Torrey Pines in Califor-nia, as well as winning five national junior tournaments. I’m convinced that the key to achieving these wins has been a combination of per-sistence in training, passion for practice, a little talent, the good guidance of knowl-edgeable people… and the hundreds of times my mom drove me to practice!

What did obtaining a sports scholarship at Indiana University, one of US’ best universities meant to you?

y the time I finished High School, study-ing a career and

playing golf at a high level at the same time, seemed almost impossible. My best option was to obtain a schol-arship in a good university in the United States. Thanks to the international tourna-ments I played as a junior, and with my good academic and English grades, I re-ceived several offers. I decid-ed to join Indiana University

I was lucky to enroll at JFK

since pre-school. My parents

taught me the importance

of practicing sports, and at

school I had the opportunity to develop this

ability.

and therefore have the opportunity to participate in NCAA Division I collegiate golf. It was very reward-ing to see how golf opened the doors for me at such an important and meaningful phase in my life.

Now that you have reached the PGA Latin America, can you tell us what were the philosophy, attitudes and values that got you there?

had the opportunity of playing the PGA LA’s 2012 season. During a

three month period I played 8 tournaments in six Latin American countries. Those were months full of intensity, experiences, new courses, new people and competi-tion at a very high profes-sional level. This circuit is the natural step to continue

Santiago with his parents and brother in his HS graduation. Santiago in the Gira Profesional Negra Modelo 2012.

climbing towards the PGA Tour. My philosophy to keep improving is making a continuous evaluation of my game, taking apart the different areas of golf, set-ting priorities in my weak-nesses and strengths. With my coach Rafael Alarcon’s help, we work on the big-gest weakness to turn them to strenghts and, once a change has set, I repeat this formula. This is how my game is constantly improv-ing. At the same time I work on my physical and mental fitness, as well as in my short game and putt.

During your amateur and professional life, what has been your biggest chal-lenge?

ithout a doubt, it has been competing at the

highest international level and maintaining the right attitude and positive focus that allow me to improve and steadily go forward; golf

is a sport that doesn’t allow for much margin of error. At the same time, convincing the private sector to support and believe in high perfor-mance athletes to reach their goals has been a challenge.

What has been your great-est satisfaction?

ulfilling the goals I have set for myself, as well as winning

my first tournament as a professional in August 2012. I like the feeling of winning; it’s great. It is the reward to the many hours of effort, sac-rifice, and training. It’s when you realize that all the time invested is worth it; working hard pays dividends.

How has JFK helped you reach your dreams?

like the school’s phi-losophy towards the promotion of sports.

As long as I fulfilled my responsibilities as a stu-dent, every step of the way, I received support in my

JFK gave me the basis to be able

to arrive at a great American

university and the tools I needed

to develop as a student and

achieve my degree.

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development as a golfer. When it was necessary to miss classes on account of tournaments —which happened frequently— they helped me take early exams, turn in papers upon my return or make laboratory practic-es out of schedule. There was always an agreement that, as long as I took responsibility for my academic work, the school would support my participa-tion in sporting events. We both complied. JFK gave me the basis to be able to arrive at a great American university and the tools I needed to develop as a stu-dent and achieve my degree. Many people supported me through my time at JFK; I re-member Roger Gouran (RIP) with affection. A teacher well loved by all students, who taught during my last year

Santiago won the Gira Profesional Negra Modelo 2012. Santiago won a Silver Medal in Thailand..Santiago with the Indiana University team.

in high school and who was a mentor to me. His support and guidance were very important in get-ting to the United States. Roger also helped me prepare for my SAT, which is an essential require-ment to be accepted in the American university system.

What would you recommend Kennedy students whom, like you, love sports?

would recommend that they value the op-portunity of being in a great institution; to take advantage to practice sports as some-

thing transcendent in their lives. In the process, they should have fun, enjoy training and com-peting. Whichever their life project might be, to prepare well, because talent in itself isn’t enough to drive you far. To listen to people that know and live sports, and to be humble, so they can learn from the experience and knowledge of others. I would stress that, getting involved in a sport, is in itself a magnificent lesson for life.

What are your plans for the future?y main objective is to get to the PGA Tour. For now, at the end of 2013, I will be aiming to play the “Web.com Tour”,

which is the previous step to the PGA Tour. I will also be competing again in the PGA LA Tour, going further down that road; I plan to arrive well prepared at those tournaments and play well, in order to take advantage of the opportunities that will allow me to take a leap.

would like to thank the support I have received from Club de Golf Juriquilla which has backed me up from the start, as well

as the State of Queretaro, Allesso-Club Car, Kenworth Bajío, Kellogg's. Also, Regency Club and El River Fitness for letting me use their facilities for training. At the start of my profes-sional career the support I received from GMI

You can follow my results and find pictures from the tournaments at the following page:

http://goo.gl/qG979

For now, at the end of 2013, I will be aiming to play the “Web.com Tour”, which is the previous step to the PGA Tour.

WHAT DO THESE

WORDS MEAN

TO YOU?

SPORTSWay of life.

STEADINESSTo make few things many times

instead of many things few times.

SUCCESSIt does not come by chance; you have

to work for it.

PATIENCEWaiting while doing the right things.

DISCIPLINEThe internal voice that does not

let you falter and always reminds

you of your goals.

QUERETAROHome.

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Born in Mexico City, Alfredo is the second child in a big family. With a lot of energy his parents decided to enter him into sports. Alfredo be-gan swimming at the age of 7. After moving to Querétaro at the age of 9 other sports included soccer, athletics, and tennis. National Quali-fier in track and Field at the age of 12 (100m and 110 hurdles), 3rd Professional Division in Soccer at the age of 17, gave him the chance to travel to Chile to a soccer tournament representing Mexico. He played soccer as well during High School at JFK and together with a great team, brought the 1st place trophy in the asomex (97-98) and also won lideip that season.

During university, Alfredo began taking up triathlon and was ranked 9th at the national level in his age group. In his 2nd year at uni-versity he focused on athlet-ics and earned a 70% scholar-ship. Triathlon became the focus over the last couple of years at school where he placed 3rd and 5th in the

ClassNotesWHAT ARE WE DOING NOW?

national rankings in his age group and was sponsored by Kelloggs and supported by the University. He earned an Industrial Engineer Bachelor degree. While doing univer-sity and being at the right place in the right moment, Alfredo had the chance to enter a TV show, Fear Factor, not only overcoming the challenges in the show, but winning. "I do believe that everyone is capable of doing the challenges, but winning is a different story. The way I have learned to handle stressful situations gave me an advantage over my com-petition and that I can thank to competitive sports."

Alfredo is still doing triathlons while living in Ontario, Canada. He finished 5th place in a long distance triathlon (2km swim, 90km bike, 21km run) in Peterbor-ough, Ontario with a 4:53.11 time. He is coaching and de-veloping a competitive swim team for the 3rd season. He coaches different age groups, from 11 to 17 years old and he is very proud that he has been able to help the

I do believe that everyone is capable of doing the challenges, but win-ning is a different story.

HS

kids mentally, technically and physically in accom-plishing their personal goals; from becoming a provincial qualifier to get a scholarship at university.

"The only way to succeed is to keep trying" is one of my favorite quotes. In sports, as a kid, you can learn impor-tant values, such as disci-pline, hard work, dedication, respect for yourself and one another, fairness, honesty and the list goes on and on. I totally encourage all parents to sign up their kids to a sport as the values they learn will stay forever and the way they will learn to manage stress and failure will help them to be better and more competitive in whatever they decide to do when they are adults.

triathlete

’98Alfredo Avila

football player

Rodrigo Quirarte

Since I can remember, I have always played soccer. As soon as I could walk, my dad taught me the basics of sports’ movement, coordina-tion and kicking a soccer ball; I clearly recall when we spent time at our home yard hitting some targets and having ice cream as a reward!

My sister Paulina (JFK class of 2002), my brother Santiago (JFK class of 2004) and myself attended school at JFK, all the way from Kin-dergarten to High School. So it was natural for me to understand that practicing sports was part of school life at JFK. I played soccer at JFK since kindergarten all the way to 6th grade, where I fondly remember Fernando Soria teaching me the basics of how to kick a soccer ball, up to winning 6 lideip championships. Then with the guide of great coach Oscar Díaz, I went on to play at the Atlas Academy and then got my way through the youth teams of Gallos Blan-cos. I came back to play for

the Jaguars for my last two years of high school under another incredible coach Horacio Morales, with whom we won a couple of lideip championships and the first ever asomex men’s champi-onship in JFK’s history.

After graduation, I enrolled at the University of Central Florida in Orlando to study Industrial Engineering, sup-ported by an academic schol-arship. Once there, I tried to play varsity soccer; however, the team only recruited play-ers from local high schools and had no chance to even tryout. That’s when football, american football appeared in my life.

I went to the football of-fices and asked about their tryouts and one month later I tried out. I was kicking in the only indoor football facility in the state of Florida (professional or collegiate level), in front of the well renowned football coach George O’Leary. That was one of the first times I kicked a football in my entire life. It

was a little different, but my soccer skills and basics I had been taught, paid off.

One semester later, I got a call saying that head coach O’Leary wanted me on the team. After wearing a helmet and pads for the first time in my life, I was surely on the right track. However, after just been practicing football for a semester, I had an unfortunate accident during a practice in the 2011 preseason; a defensive player jumped trying to block my field goal and landed on my leg, breaking my tibia and fibula. I had surgery, a six-month rehabilitation process and missed the

The successful story behind Rodrigo Quirarte Cortina’s road to become one of the official kickers at the NCAA Division I University Of Central Florida (UCF) Knights.

HS

’10

It was natural for me to understand that practicing sports was part of school life at JFK.

CLASS NOTES

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31

When I first moved to Querétaro in 1973, I wasn´t very happy until I entered the JFK School. This was where I spent some of the greatest moments of my life, made my best friends and where I discovered and developed my passion for sports, I started participating in athlet-ics and then Basketball for many years. We went to Oaxtepec and Monterrey several times to represent our school and this was really awesome.

I kept playing basketball until high school at the Tecnológico de Monter-rey, competing many times with their team. I also trained with the state team and represented it in some tourna-ments.

My father´s love of golf introduced me to this discipline as well. I started playing it at the age of 7 and this has been with me all my life. I can´t remember now how many tournaments

...keep in mind that it´s a game and you must enjoy it...

Elda Espondagolfer

I´d played or won but some of them had taught me so much. This marvelous game, as all the sports I´ve practiced, has taught me to be brave, patient, honest and responsible. As a result I have increased my self-confidence and also learned that thoughts impact actions strongly, so it is important to develop a strategy to keep self-control and remain fo-cused on each shot and never give up.

Very good advice that I got from my father on this issue, that I would like to share to you as a sportsman or as a parent, is to keep in mind that it´s a game and you must enjoy it.

At this moment of my life I´m in Santiago of Com-postela, Spain studying my 7th semester of psychology, planning to develop the study to the field of sport and labor. It's my wish that whatever drives us, we all keep enjoying it!

entire season; it was a very tough and frustrating period, but thanks to the help of my family, especially my mom and dad, friends and football staff, I got over that episode and went on with more strength and desire to play.

Now, I’m competing for the starting kicking job for the UCF Knights for the upcom-ing fall 2013 season.

At this point, thanks to the soccer basics I was taught at school, as well as to the life lessons learned all those years at JFK with great teachers, staff, friends and family, I am working hard to achieve new goals in my life.

Go Jaguars! Go Knights!

Now, I’m competing for the starting kicking job for the UCF Knights for the upcoming fall 2013 season.

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