Second-graders complete fitness program

HICKORY, N.C. -- Second-grade pupils from Hickory Public Schools recently graduated from the Fit for Motion Software held at the Hickory Foundation YMCA. The students represented five elementary schools including Southwest, Jenkins, Longview, Oakwood and Viewmont.

Fit for Motion is a collaborative effort between Hickory Public Schools, the YMCA and the Solmaz Institute for Obesity at Lenoir-Rhyne University. The eight-week program was created to get children involved in aerobic activities for 60 minutes daily and to supply lifelong lessons about healthy options.

Bob Conklin, president and CEO of the YMCA of Catawba Valley, welcomed the children, teachers and family members to the service. Remarks were made by Walter Hart, HPS superintendent, and Kimberly Pennington, director at LRU.

During the ceremony, five children were recognized for their outstanding essays that addressed living a healthy lifestyle. The essay writers comprised Vanessa Ramirez-Soto from Longview, Arianna Dancy from Jenkins, Turner Thomas from Oakwood, Krystal Blakely and Maddie Smith.

At the close of the commencement service, Alex Folk, coordinator for Fit for Motion, encouraged all the young graduates to stand and "get moving" as they celebrated their improved lifestyle. Closing remarks of congratulations were supplied by Angela Chapman, executive director.