Sean and Leo
40 Faces of the J
Leo's Story
Leo's connection to the J began before he could even swim. He enrolled in preschool at Shalom Park, spent a summer at Camp Mindy — each chapter building on the last. But of all the things the J has given him, swimming has become the thread that ties it all together.
He started with individual lessons, first with Ms. Marti, then with Ms. Stefani. Now, Wednesdays have taken on a kind of ritual. Before he even enters the pool, Leo walks the track and finds a quiet corner to read, a routine that is entirely his own. Then comes the swimming.
That's where he met his friend Sean.
The two are years apart in age, but side by side in the pool, that gap disappears. They race. They cheer. They push each other in that easy, unspoken way that real friendship does. Leo is patient with his younger friend, and Sean brings an energy that keeps Leo on his toes.
Without the J, Leo might never have learned to swim. But more than that — he might never have found his Wednesdays which are very special to him.
Sean's Story
Sean came to the JCC to be part of the preschool when he was just a year old. At first, it was primarily to learn and grow in a safe place. But the JCC has become so much more to him and to his family. It is a community where he has always gotten incredible support not just from his teachers, but from the coaches and administrators across the campus.
The relationship Sean has developed with his friend Leo during swim lessons at the pool is a perfect example of the special people he has met at the JCC who have helped him develop as a person. Over the last four years, Sean has had the opportunity to participate in basketball, karate, tennis, and countless hours of playground antics with his friends. But learning to swim at the JCC has been his favorite activity, and one where he learned valuable lessons from his swim instructor, Diana Barnes, about listening to instructions, overcoming fears, and supporting others.
Sean loves getting a chance to play with older kids, but doesn’t always get their attention. Wednesdays at the pool are different. As soon as he spots his friend Leo at the pool, he gets an enormous grin on his face. “Hi Leo!” he calls and rushes to get his swim goggles on. Leo is very patient, even though Sean is years younger, and encourages him with friendly competition. They have developed a weekly custom of racing side by side through the water after their lessons, but it’s always in the spirit of encouraging each other. Sometimes Leo wins and sometimes Sean wins, but it doesn’t matter. Their confidence in the water has improved for both of them since they teamed up.
Wherever Sean goes in life, he will always carry with him the lessons he picked up from the JCC. It is a place where challenges become opportunities and differences are celebrated. It will always have a special place in our hearts.
