Committing to student health and wellness through daily healthful eating and physical activity should be celebrated, which is why we threw a party for our New England Fuel Up to Play 60 touchdown schools!
This past June, Fuel Up to Play 60 participants throughout New England received the star treatment at Gillette Stadium, as they celebrated their school wellness successes! New England Dairy & Food Council, New England Patriots, and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation teamed up to offer a day filled with a pep rally, smoothie blend-off, field tours, and physical activity.
Students had the opportunity to meet with inspiring leaders, including New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis and alumni players Jermaine Wiggins, Patrick Pass, Vernon Crawford, and Ilia Jarostchuk; ESPN NFL Reporter Field Yates; and dairy farmers Tim Learned, Hillary Wheeler, and Jimmy Hunt. The speakers encouraged students to eat healthy, be active every day at school, and lead their peers to do the same.
“After interacting with the student leaders here today, I can’t help but feel extremely proud to be a supporter of Fuel Up to Play 60 across New England,” said dairy farmer Tim Learned of Valley View Dairy in North Stonington, CT.
Representing Schools at the Pep Rally
What’s a school year without a pep rally? Field Yates pumped up the crowd early and as the coffee was still kicking in. Schools arrived with posters that decorated the walls for the remainder of the day.
The Smoothie Blend Off: Getting Creative with Ingredients and New Team Members
The smoothie blend off required teams to brainstorm ingredients for a recipe, work as a team to create the smoothies, and then present a marketing pitch to a panel of celebrity judges.
“As a dairy farmer in Massachusetts, I know that I’m helping others eat better. Healthful foods like dairy provide the brain power to succeed in school and in life,” said dairy farmer and smoothie judge Jimmy Hunt of Hunt Farm in Orange, MA.
New England Patriots Director of Culinary Operations Brad Ozerdem and Ilia Jarostchuk rounded out the judging panel. Word on the street was that cinnamon was a popular ingredient 😉
Stepping on the Grass at Gillette Stadium
As the adrenaline was still flowing from the smoothie competition, students and program advisors were led on a tour throughout Gillette Stadium. Photos popped up all over social media, as guests stepped on the field.
Physical Activity Showdown
After lunch and a bit of sun, students were fueled for a physical activity showdown. Rhode Island Program Advisor Brian Kampper from Samuel Slater Jr. High School in Pawtucket instructed the students through the first station, which involved building the highest tower out of hockey sticks, cups, and giant Jenga pieces.
Then, Field Yates motivated students through multiple stations, including a tug-of-war and wheelbarrow race.
New England’s 2017-18 State Ambassadors
Every year, one student from each state is selected as a Student Ambassador for Fuel Up to Play 60 in New England. For 2017-18, the following students were selected:
- Connecticut: Bree N., Martin Kellogg Middle School in Newington.
- Maine: Boden G., Bath Middle School in Bath.
- Massachusetts: Connor M., Plymouth Community Intermediate School in Plymouth.
- New Hampshire: Prescott H., Stevens High School (in the fall) in Claremont.
- Rhode Island: Nathaniel R., Samuel Slater Jr. High School in Pawtucket.
- Vermont: Travis P., Troy School in North Troy.
These students will lead their schools in making healthful, sustainable changes and will represent the program at statewide events, round table discussions, and more!
Fun, Right? Now Let’s Get You Involved!
Build a Fuel Up to Play 60 team at your school. Either contact your regional program staff or visit FuelUptoPlay60.com for more information.
Updated July 1, 2017