Summer Health & Fitness Program wraps up second year
Jordan-Elbridge’s Summer Health and Fitness Program is leaving a lasting impact on students who have signed up. This is the program’s second year, and 25 students signed up to participate. To be eligible, they had to be entering 7th-9th grade.
“It’s fun, I would recommend it because you get to hang out with your friends but you also get to lift weights and it helps get you ready for your sports,” said Wes, a soon-to-be 8th grader who also participated in the program last summer.
Four days a week, students head to the high school, where they use the weight room and learn about proper fitness techniques from Athletic Trainer Rebecca DeMario, and School Resource Officer Lynette DelFavero. Students are given tips about nutrition and working out, but they also learn about the importance of commitment and being consistent with healthy living.
“You learn about what you need to work on, and then you can do it at home or later at school,” added soon-to-be 8th grader Anthony, who participates in cross country and track and said this has helped him stay in shape over the summer.
In this final week of the program, students were visited by JE soccer coach, Coach Martin. He told them if you want to get better at anything, you have to put in the work. You can’t expect to show up, whether to a sports practice or a test at school, and be prepared. It’s all about the commitment you put in ahead of time.
Students are already showing commitment, with several returning this summer after participating in the program last year. The goal of the health and fitness program is that students take away valuable information that help them become healthier, overall. They also receive a nutritious lunch each afternoon.
Next year, DeMario said she hopes to expand the program further, potentially by getting help from someone who could teach students how to prepare a healthy meal at home.
