How Better Fitness Can Equal Better Grades

During the summer of 2018, Officer Levier conducted a Fit-4-Kids class at USC East College Prep High School. One of the students that participated in the class was 16-year-old Shawn Bolanos. He had an IEP (Individualized Learning Plan), demonstrated behavioral issues, lack of interest in school, was failing all his classes, had no respect for authority, and didn’t have a lot of friends. The kids would make fun of him because of his eight and his awkwardness in his Physical Education (P.E.) class. None of the techniques school administrators used to motivate Shawn seemed to help, and without fail, he would be in detention every Friday for behavioral issues. After failing P.E. two years in a row, the school offered to give Shawn the P.E. credits he needed if he took a P.E. summer class, Fit-4-Kids, with Officer Levier.

Shawn, the only child of a single mother household, instantly saw a mentor in Officer Levier. Throughout the six-week fitness program, school administrators started seeing the difference in Shawn. He was excited about his P.E. class and felt Officer Levier valued his efforts. With time and dedication, Officer Levier developed a very positive relationship with Shawn, inspiring him to take his health and fitness more seriously, encouraged him to improve his grades, and helped him find self-confidence and develop self-esteem.

Since completing Fit-4-Kids, Shawn has been successful in developing his fitness, improving his grades, and has joined the LAPD Hollenbeck Cadet Program, where he has learned structure, discipline, and respect. He started this school year a whole different student. Shawn is focused on his grades, demonstrates respect for staff and peers, is passing all his classes, has more friends, is focused on healthy eating and exercise habits, and has not served one detention for behavior issues all this school year.

Fit-4-Kids’ impact on Shawn has been life-changing. He is a role model for his peers and an example of how students can change. He shared that Officer Levier really motivated him and now wants to get into law enforcement and work with kids because that’s what his HERO, Officer Levier, does and that’s how he was rescued. Shawn’s teachers, counselors, family, and especially Officer Levier continue to compliment his efforts and academic success. Keep up the good work Shawn!