WCI exercises its way to big money
Published 11:57 am Sunday, April 6, 2014
Warren County Intermediate students have been more physical this year — to the tune of $4,000, according to the National Football League.
Their phys-ed program earned them a $4,000 grant through the school’s participation in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program sponsored by the NFL and the United Dairy Association, the group best known for its “Got Milk?” campaign.
Warren County Intermediate Physical Education teacher Joshua Stewart applied for the grant earlier this year. The school was eligible for the grant based on its level of participation in physical activity at school.
Stewart said he and school staff have a morning exercise club called “Rise and Shine” that gives the kids a chance to exercise before they start the day. Stewart said the morning workout has been beneficial to both students and teachers.
“This has led to less tardy students and less disciplinary problems in our school,” said Stewart.
Stewart plans to put the grant money to use by providing for free a few places on campus or the community to exercise.
“With this grant money, I would like to build a public access walking trail with a baseball and soccer field. I would also like to have some outdoor fitness equipment to promote physical activity.
“My goal as a teacher is to offer the kids of my school every opportunity available to better themselves. This includes access to amenities that improve physical health. Exercise is the best form of preventive medicine and having a free option makes it that much easier to get out and get fit.”