Under a bright March sun, the blue and green courts of Sheridan Elementary transformed into an open-air yoga studio. Standing in front of a small group of 1st graders, Trey M. ‘27 stretched his chest toward the sky, guiding his young charges into a cobra pose. They responded with enthusiasm, mimicking his movements with focus and energy—and with plenty of giggles and wiggles.

This is how Trey and his classmates in Ms. Diana’s Yoga for Change class spent their March Public Purpose Program (PPP) day. Stepping into their roles as teachers, they led Sheridan’s TK, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders through interactive sessions—blending songs and animal stories with foundational yoga poses and breathing techniques. The LWHS students were ready for this moment, following weeks of preparation to craft lesson plans to effectively engage, teach, and lead young children. 

The impact of the moment was not lost on the staff at Sheridan. "I have chills watching these teenagers teach our students," said Mr. Rein, Sheridan Elementary's Special Education teacher. "It gives me such hope that kids like this are taking the time to be here and do this with us."

In Yoga for Change, LWHS students explore yoga not just as a form of exercise, but as a powerful tool for self-care, physical fitness, and mindfulness. For the PPP component, students learn instructional techniques tailored specifically for young learners. They develop fun lesson plans that incorporate age-appropriate yoga poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness activities. "Watching them step into leadership roles and bring these practices to younger students is incredible," says Ms. Diana. 

"There’s something really special about seeing them build confidence, show empathy, and create a safe, calming space for others. Our visits are where everything comes full circle—it’s not just about learning yoga, it’s about connection, service, and realizing the impact they can have on their community."

For Trey, the value of the day went beyond the physical poses. "My favorite part of teaching the first graders was seeing the enthusiasm beaming from them the whole time," he shared. 

"I think serving as role models for these young kids is a very important part of what we do; providing the youth with older students to look up to, as well as good Body-Mind Education practices like yoga, really makes doing what we do mean so much more to us and to them."

The March visit was just the start of an ongoing partnership between LWHS and Sheridan Elementary. By returning to Sheridan three times a month, the LWHS student-teachers will help the TK, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders turn those initial "giggles and wiggles" into a regular practice of focus. This collaboration is a simple, tangible way for our students to step into leadership while sharing a few tools for a calmer, more focused school day.