Evans Students Stride Toward Good Health

The following was submitted by Phil Ellingsworth Jr., representing the Spring-Ford Area School District:

LIMERICK — third- and fourth-graders walked more than 1,200 miles together as part of the Evans Health Choices After-School Walking Club this fall.

This fall, 67 students and four teachers walked two days a week for eight weeks taking 3,045,186 steps, totaling 1,218 miles.

The walking club began in 2007 as a way to get children exercising and help them meet new friends. Students who are part of the club wear pedometers and walk rain or shine – outside in a loop around school grounds if it is nice out, and inside the gym if it is raining. The number of steps is given to a teacher at the end of each session. Most days, students completed four laps outside the school. Inside, students walked to music and had scavenger hunts or played trivia games.

“We are proud that our students have made a commitment to exercise that they fulfill even when the school day has ended,” Evans Elementary School Nurse Laura McNeil said. “Through the Walking Club, they are learning that exercise can be a fun way to connect with other people in addition to being healthy for their bodies.”

Evans Elementary School is located at 125 Sunset Road in Limerick.