Students in the Mini Chef Academy at Sweetwater Elementary received their chef’s hats and 
aprons Monday as part of a special graduation ceremony in the school cafeteria.
The Mini Chef Academy is a program for students in grades 3-5 spearheaded by local cardiologist Dr. Charlie Rouse and the Rouse Foundation in partnership with the Douglas County School System. It focuses on nutrition, exercise, heart health and relaxation techniques to manage stress.
A total of 21 students were honored during the ceremony for completing the Mini Chef Academy program. Superintendent Trent North, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Mitch Springer, SWES Principal Tanish Springer and Dr. Rouse were among those who spoke to the students, congratulating them and encouraging them to apply the knowledge and skills they learned in the program in their daily lives.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our remarkable students and thankful for our dedicated staff that supports them!” Principal Springer said. “It fills us with pride to witness their dedication and hard work throughout this journey. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Rouse Foundation for providing this invaluable opportunity.”
She also emphasized the program’s lasting impact on students’ wellbeing.
“Through this program, our students have gained essential knowledge and skills that will positively impact their lives and the lives of their families, potentially for generations to come,” she said. “As we know, health is wealth, and the lessons learned here will serve as a foundation for healthier lifestyles.”
As part of the ceremony, Dr. Rouse also led the students on an interactive “Walk Through the 
Heart.”
The Mini Chef Academy was launched by the Rouse Foundation in 2022 as a pilot program within DCSS.
SWES fourth-grade teacher and Mini Chef Academy sponsor Niamba Johnson called the Mini Chef Academy “an amazing experience” for everyone involved.
Johnson added that seeing the students’ excitement as they explored ways to lead healthier lives was “truly rewarding.”
“The joy on their faces as they received their chef aprons and hats was priceless,” she said. “It was truly a celebration of their journey, their effort and their bright future.”
