On my trip to Florida this past December, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by some very professional kid news outlets. At Myakka River Elementary, I was interviewed on their morning news show by a very charismatic girl named Emily. Over lunch at Neil Armstrong Elementary, I was interviewed for the school newspaper by a different Emily. It was so interesting to hear their take on my show from their perspective, and wonderful to see these opportunities for kids to spread their journalistic wings. I was most struck by Emily Lewis’ print article when I dodged questions about my age, if I was ever overweight, and how much money I make. My media savviness was not as much appreciated, as she calls out that I wouldn’t answer these questions directly. I appreciate this type of journalistic integrity and wish them luck in their budding careers.

Enjoy,

Jill

Jill speaks with on-air talent Emily from Myakka River Elementary in Port Charlotte, FL after her shows in December 2009. Their school mascot is the manatee.

Interview with Jump with Jill by Emily Lewis

Emily Lewis from Neil Armstrong Elementary in Punta Gordo, FL interviewed me for their school newspaper.

My name is Emily Lewis.  I am a fourth grade student in Ms. McCracken’s class at Neil Armstrong Elementary.  I am10 years old and I interviewed a woman named Jill as part of my job as the KidReporter for my school.   Jill goes to schools and teaches about nutrition, encouraging children not to become overweight.   I hope you enjoy my following interview.

If you have ever heard the phrase “this joint is jumping,” that could very well have described my school.  At Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Port Charlotte, Florida my classmates and I, along with a few hundred students in third through fifth grade, were having a “rocking good time” as we danced and sang in an assembly sponsored by Champs Café.  We were hardly aware of all of the important knowledge we were learning as we thought we were simply having fun!  Jump with Jill is a high-energy, entertaining educational show that teaches kids about nutrition and taking care of our bodies.  I am pleased that I had an opportunity to interview the star of the show, Jill, following her performance at my school.  Here are just a few things that I learned:

First I asked Jill, have you ever been overweight? She responded “No I am the right weight for my height, which is 5’, 10.”  Next Question: How much money do you make a year? {Not a straight answer} Answer: “I am self employed, and own my own company called, Note to Health.” Question: Do you know anybody who is overweight? Answer: [Identity Withheld] Answer: I do, and I wants to keep people from becoming overweight.  Question: Do you donate to companies that help prevent overweight children? Answer: My company does. Question: How old are you? Answer: I am twenty-eight.

Quick facts

1. Jill lives in New York.
2. Jill as a child performed with her brother.
3. Jill performs in schools near you.

Nutrition facts from Jill

1. Milk helps your teeth and bones.

2. You need to drink eight cups of water a day.

3. Soda is not good for your throat.

If you ever have the opportunity to “Jump“ with Jill and take in one of her performances, I highly recommend it!  You will have a lot of fun and enjoy every minute while you are learning new things about taking care of your body.  For this fourth grader, Jill’s performance earns 2 thumbs up!  Thank you Champs Café for helping to make learning fun!