Every Huntington UFSD physical education teacher wants to keep their students fit. Two groups totaling more than four dozen fourth and fifth graders from Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School and Woodhull Intermediate School took their commitment to stay in shape to a new level last week.
Led by veteran physical education teachers John Walsh and Carrie Postel, the Huntington contingent vied in the fifth annual Suffolk Fit Club competition at Lincoln Elementary School in Sayville. The initiative was organized by the Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
The teams from Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School and Woodhull Intermediate School were among about 30 Suffolk schools participating in this year’s contest.
The recent competition highlighted each of the components of health related fitness. Mr. Walsh and Ms. Postel prepped students at their respective school in anticipation of the big event.
The Woodhull contingent included:
Fourth grade: Gabriella Zielinski, Khloe Bedell, Charlotte Kindelmann, Angie Perlita-Ramos, Gretchen Schmid, Sutter Flynn, Scarlett Phillips, Luke Shanley, Conor Kuhn, David Bergmann, Charlie Gordon, John Dello-Iacono, Steven Zelaya and Brayan Caballero Reyes.
Fifth grade: Helena Sullivan, Keira Lynch, Yaqueline Zelaya, Abigail Arelt, Amber Murtaza, Amelia Brown, Gabriel MacManus, Jean Carlos Garay Araujo, Oliver Frintzilas, William Respass, Evan Murillo, Yostin Vanegas Rauda and Johann Reves.
The group from Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School included:
Fourth grade: Lia Rotunno, Savannah Sturges, Juliette Creegan, Emma Aversano, Sydney Amar, Juliana Perotti, Molly Barba, James Oppenheim, Freddy Flores, Jake Kiernan, Jason Bencivenga, Bradley Burke, Matteo Dasaro and Andrew Cahn.
Fifth grade: Emma Martin, Victoria Creegan, Olivia Corcoran, Lauren Reed, Kaitlyn Purcell, Brianna Purcell, Mackenzie Conklin, Max Manu, Miguel Herrera, Dominick Leotta, Charlie Mandreski, Zackary Smith, Kevin Harris and Xavion Greene.
Participants were required to complete a variety of strength, flexibility, speed, agility, coordination and conditioning exercises and physical fitness related tests, including events such as box jumps, bear crawls, farmer’s carry, crab walk and an obstacle course.
“The mission of the Suffolk Zone’s Fit Club is to empower our students with the skills, tools, training and confidence to live a healthier lifestyle while challenging them through difficult physical challenges,” according to the group’s website. “Our goal is for the students to learn something about themselves and feel invigorated as well as seeing how much they can truly accomplish when driven. We will develop the students’ strength both physically and mentally and help them to reach their fullest potential. They will feel part of a team by offering support, encouragement and inspiration to their teammates while helping them achieve their highest level of fitness.”
The Jack Abrams STEM team placed an impressive eighth in the large field of schools. Woodhull’s team captured a very respectable 14th place.
