Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Westchester Academy junior Jimena Tinoco has been traveling the U.S. and speaking on behalf of Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60), a wellness program focused on school-based fitness and nutrition. She is a member of the organization’s national Youth Council.

Tinoco’s multi-year involvement with the program at local and national levels has garnered her several invitations to speak about healthy physical and nutritional practices from a young person's point of view. Read more here.

“Fuel Up to Play 60 has completely changed the way I get the energy I need throughout the day and has increased my success academically and physically,” said Tinoco, who is also the Texas ambassador for FUTP60. “Fuel Up to Play 60 has changed my performance in class and on the soccer field.”

Tinoco recently spoke at the Cooper Institute Legacy Award Dinner in Dallas, where the National Football League (NFL) was honored for its involvement in youth health and wellness. The NFL and the National Dairy Council are supporters of FUTP60.

She continues to network wherever she goes. At the Cooper Institute award event, she met the founder of the organization, Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, who is also known as the “father of aerobics.” His main focus is to develop preventative care methodologies.

“This event was truly amazing and I had a chance to speak to a range of people from healthcare, the American Heart Association, the Cooper Institute and the NFL,” said Tinoco. She was inspired to hear about the pioneering work of Dr. Kenneth Cooper, as well as his work with professionals like Roger Staubach (former player and now owner of the Dallas Cowboys).

“Today’s youth are less active, more overweight and unhealthier than ever before,” said Dr. Cooper. “We have to make serious changes if we want to protect the future of our children and our country.”

In September Tinoco was one of three young people honored with the 2019 Rising Star Youth Award from the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living. The award recognizes exceptional Texas youth who have raised awareness of the obesity epidemic.

Locally, Tinoco has been busy playing soccer for Albion Hurricanes Football Club, and leading projects to inspire healthy living among her peers. She applied for and received a grant from the National Dairy Council.

The funds supported the purchase cooking equipment for the WAIS FUTP60 club to adapt healthy recipes, develop a school garden and for field trips.

Some people have personal health goals for themselves. Jimena Tinoco’s ‘appetite’ for inspiring her peers and other youth around the country to be active and eat healthier continues to grow and be recognized.

We are #SBISDProud of her efforts.

Go eat an apple!

Submitted by Becky Wuerth, SBISD Communications
Becky.wuerth@springbranchisd.com