Meet Joss Kendrick: American Girl of the Year 2020

Jess Kendrick: American Girl of the Year!

The American Girl 2020 Girl of the Year is Joss Kendrick and little ladies love her already! Joss Kendrick is a ten-year-old from Huntington Beach, California, who American Girl describes as “a fierce athlete born with hearing loss and a passion for surfing and competitive cheer.” Joss Kendrick is the first doll of the year with a disability woven into her story.

Pssst…If you haven’t been by the American Girl Store recently, take a peek here! American Girl Place New York: Two Brand-New In-Store Experiences!

Joss Kendrick joins American Girl’s lineup of inspirational characters who impart meaningful life lessons to help girls learn and grow with confidence. Whether she’s on her surfboard or in the gym, Joss Kendrick shows girls the importance of trying new things, pushing past stereotypes and being a good team player.

In honor of Joss Kendrick, American Girl has partnered with Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the nation’s leading nonprofit representing people with hearing loss, with a $25,000 donation to support the organization’s education and awareness programs.

American Girl is also teaming up with 17-year-old surfing prodigy Caroline Marks, as she prepares to make history next summer as a member of the first-ever U.S. Women’s Olympic surfing team to celebrate the Girl of the Year. We expect many young fans to be cheering her on this summer alongside their Joss Kendrick dolls.

Joss has long brown hair and brown eyes and arrives wearing a swimsuit, hoodie, and shorts, plus a removable hearing aid in her right ear. American Girl fans will rejoice that there is already a full line of Joss products to shop, including a surfboard and swim gear, cheer outfits and equipment, and her talented English bulldog, Murph the Surf Dog.

The Joss collection is available at americangirl.com and at all American Girl retail locations nationwide.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

CK Kids

CK Kids offers various classes and programs, including Afterschool Program, Lil Chefs, Boys Hip-Hop, Ninja Starz, Lil Artists, CK Kids Athletic Programs, Acrobatics, Dance and Drama, and Karate.&nbsp;