Aspire’s June Highlights!

Summer has arrived, and we’re feeling the sunshine, the energy, and all the excitement this season brings! 

The days are brighter and there’s a renewed sense of joy in the air. It’s the perfect time for fresh adventures, meaningful milestones, and celebrating the amazing things happening across the Aspire community.

From big wins to everyday moments of connection, there’s so much to look forward to, and even more to share.

Here’s a look at what’s been heating up at Aspire lately:

Academy North Highlights:

This month, we had our first chance to volunteer with the Northern Illinois Food Bank! Our group helped by packing 20 fruit roll-ups into individual bags. It was a rewarding experience, and we’re excited to continue giving back and volunteering each month.mmunity homes represented Aspire, joining over 800 participants in this exciting event!

We’ve kicked off our summer container gardening, and we’re excited to nurture our plants and watch them thrive! This year, we’ve planted a variety of goodies including cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce, herbs, peppers, and onions.

Gardening isn’t just about growing food—it also helps us grow in other ways. It brings people together, encourages movement and time outdoors, and helps reduce stress while reconnecting us with nature.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for our latest visit to the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Our visit began with a scenic tram ride, and we were able to get a glimpse of what was in bloom. We spent time in the Herb Garden, where we got to smell mint, basil, lavender and rosemary. We also came across a stunning display of peonies!

On Tuesday, June 24, Aspire headed to Impact Field in Rosemont to watch the Chicago Dogs in action! The Chicago Dogs are an independent professional baseball team and part of the American Association of Professional Baseball. Despite the hot weather, we had a great time cheering them on and soaking up the summer atmosphere. 

Academy South Highlights:

The Aspire Dance Team went to Dance Fest at Six Flags!

Dance Fest was a perfect opportunity for our Dance Team to get on stage and perform in front of an audience before going to Nationals. After the dancing was done, everyone had a chance to ride their favorite rides, get some snacks, and meet some of their favorite Loony Toons characters. 

Two of our groups were able to go and spread some joy at a local park. Rocks and paints provided the perfect opportunity to bring a smile to those enjoying the park. Some rocks had beautiful designs while others had uplifting phrases. 

The Aspire Dance Team went to Nationals!

The team did a fabulous job on all of their routines. Everyone backstage said how much they love watching the Aspire Dance Team and the energy we bring to the competition. The team also won the very prestigious Studio of Excellence Award!