Ally Gallop

Billerica Memorial High School’s DECA Program Celebrates Graduation

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Students pose with New England Patriots Mascot Pat Patriot.

What better way to graduate from high school than with a pep rally with New England Patriots Mascot Pat Patriot?
 
Billerica Memorial High School’s DECA* students in Massachusetts organized a Wellness Day for the school’s students and faculty.
 
Yet rather than keep the mascot’s visit contained to the high school, DECA students invited toddlers and preschoolers from the nearby Project Support and Billerica Early Assistance Model programs to join in on the fun.
 
Pat Patriot was able to attend today’s event thanks to the school’s participation in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program.
 

Where in Billerica was Pat Patriot?

The morning began with the mascot surprising toddlers and preschoolers, as he popped into classrooms were morning snacks were being eaten.
 
Next, Pat waved the school’s flag as he followed the school band into the pep rally. There, the mascot met with students, congratulated DECA for a successful event, participated in wellness activities, and posed for photos with staff and students.
 

“School wellness means eating right, getting involved with school sports and extracurricular activities, and getting out there every day and making it happen,” said senior and DECA Chapter Officer Kiley Hopkins.

From left to right: Senior Duncan McGarry, Director of School Nutrition April Laskey, Senior Kiley Hopkins, and New England Dairy & Food Council Program Specialist Lisanne Hann.

 
“It was really to get the entire school to have some fun and to send the seniors off with a big bang,” said senior Duncan McGarry.
 
April Laskey, Director of School Nutrition, couldn’t agree more.
 
“The smiles, the faces, the excitement for the local team and for students to participate in organizing this day was a lot of fun.”
 

“Fuel Up to Play 60 works because it takes a well-rounded approach to student wellness. It challenges students to be physically active and to choose healthy foods at school,” said Lisanne Hann, Program Specialist for New England Dairy & Food Council. “The program teaches students the valuable lesson that these two behaviors go hand in hand.”

 

How go I get my School Involved with Fuel Up to Play 60?

Reach out to your New England regional program expert or visit FuelUpToPlay60.com.
 
* Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
 
Updated April 18, 2017