AmeriCorps Members Making an Impact

As we close out the 2025 season, we are proud of so many Fit4Kids milestones. We launched a girls flag football league, added 30 new Learning Gardens, expanded our early childhood program, engaged thousands during Fruit and Veggie Week, celebrated our 15th year, and more. One of our favorite highlights, however, has been growing organizationally and strengthening our ability to reach even more students.

A major part of that growth has been welcoming 10 AmeriCorps members to support our Learning Garden and Learn to Ride programs. They help students fall in love with fruits and vegetables, gain confidence on a bike, and experience hands-on, joyful learning. They also volunteer in gardens, participate in professional development, and represent Fit4Kids at community events.

As Garden programming slows for winter, our AmeriCorps members are also helping lead active recess at several Richmond elementary schools including Lois Harrison-Jones, Southampton, Oak Grove Bellemeade, Westover Hills, and Chimborazo. They bring equipment, encourage participation, and help make recess more energetic and fun for all. Their AmeriCorps education award supports their continued learning, which aligns with our belief that growth never stops.

So who are these 10 individuals who are helping transform Greater Richmond elementary and middle school students’ educational experiences? Let’s meet a few of them.

Garden AmeriCorps Members:

Ren Huang – Originally from Northern Virginia and now a VCU psychology graduate, Ren joined AmeriCorps and Fit4Kids to support community wellness, learn alongside students in the garden, and bring joy to youth. They are excited to keep growing their skills while appreciating the little moments through music, visual arts, and hands-on service.

Keyazia Taylor – Originally from Augusta, Georgia and raised in Chester, Virginia, Keyazia holds degrees from Hollins University and Johns Hopkins. Driven by a passion for empowering communities, she joined AmeriCorps VISTA to serve others and promote meaningful change. 

Makayla Burton – A Chesterfield County native and VCU biology graduate, Makayla is dedicated to serving her community through health education and outreach, strengthened by her background in research, healthcare, and education.

Michelle Quach – A University of Richmond graduate passionate about health equity, Michelle is eager to learn alongside students and help make healthy eating fun through her AmeriCorps service.

Patricia Wall – Originally from the D.C./Maryland area, Patricia moved to Richmond to pursue degrees in International Studies and Fine Arts, and brings passions for ecology, food justice, and community engagement to her work with Fit4Kids. When she is not in the garden, she’s making art, enjoying the river, foraging, biking, lifting, attending music events, or spending time with her very large and very important cat, Gnome Chompsky, PhD.

Learn to Ride AmeriCorps Members:

Jon’Quavius Scarborough – A father from Dillon, South Carolina, Jon’Quavius joined AmeriCorps to work with kids and explore a future in child psychology. He is dedicated to making meaningful change and hopes this role helps him find his place in education.

Michele Sealey – A U.S. Air Force veteran with a background in logistics and leadership, Michele served in leadership roles throughout her military career and earned degrees from North Carolina Central University and Central Michigan University. She brings her lifelong passion for service and helping others to her work with Fit4Kids.

As many of them reach the halfway point in their AmeriCorps experience, we asked members to reflect on their journey so far.

Ren shared, “I have really enjoyed seeing all the children who are so excited to be outside in the garden, interact with nature, and have fun with each other. The garden has been a great space for learning and getting their hands dirty, and it’s so amazing to see how impactful this program has been, as the kids come to the space with smiles. It’s also great seeing that I have made an impression, with students remembering me and greeting me with warm welcomes. Being involved through teaching and learning alongside the students has been a great experience.” 

Michelle added, “I chose to serve due to my passion for public health. I wanted to apply what I learned in classrooms and through research, and I’m grateful that this service has allowed me to do just that. As I navigate this post-grad landscape, I’ve been able to gain hands-on experience serving alongside my local community, and it’s been truly meaningful as a Richmond area native.”

We are already having a blast working with this year’s AmeriCorps members and are grateful for the impact they have made on Richmond youth. In the New Year, we look forward to welcoming additional members to both the Learning Garden and Learn to Ride teams.