Fall River teen receives $5,000 scholarship for promoting kindness, inclusion – Fall River Herald News
Jenna B. of Fall River has been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from Planet Fitness for promoting inclusion and kindness in her community.
The scholarship is part of the Judgement Free Generation initiative, which recognizes teens who exemplify values of acceptance and actively promote those principles, according to a community announcement.
Jenna is one of 50 high school seniors from Boys & Girls Clubs across the U.S. to receive the scholarship. Half of this year’s recipients are first-generation college students.
“To me, being judgment free is the act of communicating authentically with others in order to learn to appreciate the beauty of individuality,” Jenna said.
Planet Fitness has awarded more than $1.65 million in scholarships to 330 teens since 2017, contributing $250,000 this year alone. The scholarship recipients were selected from a pool of hundreds of applicants using a multi-tiered review process based on several criteria, including a personal essay, staff recommendations and a video submission.
“Planet Fitness is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging,” said Bruce Edwards, CEO of core development and management, an independent Planet Fitness franchisee. “Our ongoing partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America is one of the many ways we support the next generation, and we’re proud to stand behind these inspiring young people as they grow, learn, and continue making a meaningful impact in the world.”
Since partnering in 2016, Planet Fitness — alongside its franchisees, members and partners — has contributed over $10.5 million to advance youth wellbeing and empower the next generation to create kinder communities through its Judgement Free Generation initiative. As part of this effort, the company has led the way in funding innovative social-emotional skill-building programs for Boys & Girls Clubs of America professionals. Rooted in a trauma-informed approach, these programs acknowledge the lasting impact of trauma on youth and provide meaningful pathways for healing, personal growth and development. Planet Fitness has also established mini–Judgement Free Zones in select Boys & Girls Clubs and participated in volunteering activities across the country.
“We’re proud to team up with Planet Fitness to celebrate the accomplishment and hard work of incredible young people from our Fall River community who are leading with kindness and making a real difference every day,” said Thomas Chew Memorial Boys & Girls Club Senior Program Director Monica Tavares. “By supporting these youth, we’re helping make college more accessible and building a stronger, more caring community – and inspiring more kids here in Fall River to step up and lead with compassion.”
Learn more about Planet Fitness’ efforts to enhance the communities where people live, work and workout through PF Purpose.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
