At one point during the sixth-annual Jackson Day of Action Saturday, School District of Lancaster Superintendent Dr. Keith Miles and Jackson Middle School Principal Dr. Jazmin Torres could be found with outstretched arms on adjacent yoga mats, surrounded by Jackson students in the yoga workshop.
“I’m glad I joined in, because I needed a stretch,” Dr. Torres said. “You need to listen to your body.”
Building self-awareness—and self-confidence—were some of the goals for the event, which saw more than two dozen students gather with school leaders, community organizations, and members of Hazel I. Jackson’s family. This year’s celebration also marked what would have been Jackson’s 100th birthday, honoring her legacy through learning, engagement, and community-building. The event featured a variety of interactive workshops focused on physical wellness, mental health, career development, and environmental stewardship.
Although rainy weather kept activities indoors throughout the day, participants remained engaged as they rotated through workshops led by a variety of local organizations and community partners.
“I thought the kids did a really nice job leaning into the the workshops and trying new things,” Dr. Torres said. “We hope these are strategies they can use in their daily life.”
A strong emphasis was placed on student wellness. Representatives from CompassMark facilitated sessions focused on mental health and positive self-talk, encouraging students to develop strategies for resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. Yoga in the Park introduced students to mindfulness and movement through yoga activities, while Soul Kharisma energized participants with dance and motion workshops that highlighted the importance of physical activity and self-expression.
Students also learned practical life skills through workshops led by the Spice of Life Foundation, which focused on personal hygiene and healthy routines that support overall wellness and confidence.
Career exploration remained an important component of the day. Professionals from PA CareerLink guided students through activities designed to help them think about future career opportunities, personal strengths, and long-term goals. These conversations encouraged students to begin connecting their interests and talents with potential pathways for success.
Environmental education was provided by Let’s Go 1-2-3, whose team led students in planting seeds and learning about environmental stewardship. Through hands-on activities, students explored the importance of caring for the natural world while gaining an appreciation for how individual actions can contribute to healthier communities.
“All of the organizations that came together, they’re not strangers to us,” Dr. Torres said. “These are not people who just show up on a Saturday morning because they want their business displayed somewhere. They do it all the time. These are people who are just committed to the work.”
During brief remarks, Superintendent Dr. Keith Miles thanked students, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners for making the event possible and emphasized the importance of supporting the whole child through experiences that promote physical health, mental wellness, personal growth, and future readiness.
The event was made possible through the continued support of the Hazel I. Jackson Foundation, whose commitment to honoring Hazel Jackson’s legacy has helped sustain the annual tradition. Additional financial and logistical support was provided by Quisqueya Grocery, whose partnership helped ensure a successful day for students and families. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.