Every year at Playworks, we honor a first year Playworks program coordinator who is doing great work leading play and physical activity in their school. This person takes their service seriously, going above and beyond the regular call of duty to provide a great place to play for every child (and adult) in their school community.
This year’s Rookie of the Year is Jon Gibbs, Playworks in Southern California AmeriCorps member. Coach Jon, as the students and teachers of Bennett-Kew Elementary call him, is well known on the playground for his infectious, positive spirit. He knows how to be silly and when to be serious. Jon is cherished and respected by students and staff.
As an AmeriCorps member, Coach Jon is busy many hours beyond the school day providing special opportunities for students. He coordinated an exhibition basketball game at a local university for all members of Playworks girls and boys leagues. John also planned and invited all the Junior Coaches (student leaders at Playworks schools) and their families to an after school hours movie screening on his school’s playground.
Coach Jon has also hosted more than 150 volunteers and multiple media outlets on Martin Luther King Day this year as they painted murals that he designed and added artistic character to walls and playgrounds and provided several other upgrades to beautify the school’s campus.
