MONROE - April Buri, 13, and her friends at Monroe Middle School waited excitedly Thursday in the school gymnasium for a chance to see Wisconsin Olympians Casey FitzRandolph and Suzy Favor Hamilton, who are promoting a healthy eating and fitness program called "Movin' and Munchin' Schools."
"I think it will be interesting to see them talk about their diets and how they stay slim," Buri said.
The Movin' and Munchin' program encourages kids, their families and public school employees to eat healthy, exercise regularly and set healthy goals through the program offered in their local schools. Schools that participate in the Movin' and Munchin' program may receive up to $1,000 in awards.
Buri expected to hear that Olympic winners ate "differently than what the "normal American teenager eats," and she was looking for some tips.
"It's probably still their natural habit," she said. "I have a lot of bad habits, and I want some good habits."
FitzRandolph is a three-time Olympian, and 2002 gold medalist in 500-meter speed skating. Favor Hamilton is a three-time Olympian and holder of 7 U.S. championships and 9 NCAA titles in running.
The athletes see eating right, regular physical activity and setting overall healthy goals in life as important to students' futures as mastering the three Rs.
This is the fourth year they have served as honorary chairpersons of the Movin' and Munchin' program, administered through the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and sponsored by the WEA Trust, a not-for-profit group health insurer of many Wisconsin public school employees.
"I do this because, of all the perks - 'the fame and fortune' of going to the Olympics and winning gold metals, the ability to connect with tomorrow's leaders means more to me in my life," FitzRandolph said before the presentation.
"I have a passion for health and wellness. There's a problem in youth with obesity, so promoting health and wellness in future generations thrills me," he added.
Only 15-20 schools per year are chosen to receive a special presentation by FitzRandolph and Favor Hamilton, said Steve Lyons, public affairs director at WEA Trust.
Monroe's Parkside Elementary School was also visited Thursday, and the Black Hawk School In South Wayne will receive a visit later this month.
"Without the Trust, none of this would be possible. We both work full-time," said Suzy Favor Hamilton.
Favor Hamilton, now living in Madison, said coming to Green County is like coming home.
"I love this area," she said. "New Glarus will always be home; I have a lot of ties there."
She hopes her connection to the area and recalling her own youth help students better connect to her.
"We still remember our middle school days and the issues we had in life. We go back and remember that age ourselves, and they realize we are just like them.
Whether we are doctors or teachers or Olympians, it's good for them to see we were just like them," she said.
The presentation event recognized the middle school's first year as part of the Movin' and Munchin' program, and kicked off the school's Career and Hobby Day as part of a "Middle Level Month" celebration.
"In Monroe, we place a large emphasis on exercise, healthy eating and making the right choices in life," said Lynne Wheeler, Monroe Middle School principal. "It is a team effort of both students and staff."
More information about the Movin' and Munchin' program can be found at www.movinandmunchin.com.
"I think it will be interesting to see them talk about their diets and how they stay slim," Buri said.
The Movin' and Munchin' program encourages kids, their families and public school employees to eat healthy, exercise regularly and set healthy goals through the program offered in their local schools. Schools that participate in the Movin' and Munchin' program may receive up to $1,000 in awards.
Buri expected to hear that Olympic winners ate "differently than what the "normal American teenager eats," and she was looking for some tips.
"It's probably still their natural habit," she said. "I have a lot of bad habits, and I want some good habits."
FitzRandolph is a three-time Olympian, and 2002 gold medalist in 500-meter speed skating. Favor Hamilton is a three-time Olympian and holder of 7 U.S. championships and 9 NCAA titles in running.
The athletes see eating right, regular physical activity and setting overall healthy goals in life as important to students' futures as mastering the three Rs.
This is the fourth year they have served as honorary chairpersons of the Movin' and Munchin' program, administered through the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and sponsored by the WEA Trust, a not-for-profit group health insurer of many Wisconsin public school employees.
"I do this because, of all the perks - 'the fame and fortune' of going to the Olympics and winning gold metals, the ability to connect with tomorrow's leaders means more to me in my life," FitzRandolph said before the presentation.
"I have a passion for health and wellness. There's a problem in youth with obesity, so promoting health and wellness in future generations thrills me," he added.
Only 15-20 schools per year are chosen to receive a special presentation by FitzRandolph and Favor Hamilton, said Steve Lyons, public affairs director at WEA Trust.
Monroe's Parkside Elementary School was also visited Thursday, and the Black Hawk School In South Wayne will receive a visit later this month.
"Without the Trust, none of this would be possible. We both work full-time," said Suzy Favor Hamilton.
Favor Hamilton, now living in Madison, said coming to Green County is like coming home.
"I love this area," she said. "New Glarus will always be home; I have a lot of ties there."
She hopes her connection to the area and recalling her own youth help students better connect to her.
"We still remember our middle school days and the issues we had in life. We go back and remember that age ourselves, and they realize we are just like them.
Whether we are doctors or teachers or Olympians, it's good for them to see we were just like them," she said.
The presentation event recognized the middle school's first year as part of the Movin' and Munchin' program, and kicked off the school's Career and Hobby Day as part of a "Middle Level Month" celebration.
"In Monroe, we place a large emphasis on exercise, healthy eating and making the right choices in life," said Lynne Wheeler, Monroe Middle School principal. "It is a team effort of both students and staff."
More information about the Movin' and Munchin' program can be found at www.movinandmunchin.com.