ASAP’s Student Ambassadors were selected for their thoughtful essays explaining why physical activity is an important part of their lives. Our ambassadors helped review Innovation Competition entries and provided the ASAP team valuable insights from a student’s perspective. These students also joined us in Washington, D.C. in June at the ASAP Awards Celebration. They appeared on stage, alongside ESPN sportscaster Bonnie Bernstein, to share with the audience their beliefs about physical activity. We commend our student ambassadors for inspiring their friends, families, and peers to get up and get active. Read below for excerpts from each student’s essay.
Abbey Westcott, 12
Mohawk Elementary School | Bessemer, Pennsylvania
“Our fitness center in our school has definitely given the students something to look forward to. The reason why the students and I get so excited about our fitness center is because of all the latest technology tied in with physical activity (such as X-Box 360 Kinect, Wii, J-Mat, Dance Dance Revolution, 3 kick and stationary bikes). Research studies show that kids in our generation are more likely to become obese than their parents. Studies also show that for the first time in history, children may not outlive their parents. These two studies support the idea that kids definitely need more physical activities to stay healthy and fit.”
Alexa Berti, 13
Springs School | East Hampton, New York
“I was chosen along with 10 other girls to participate in a program called i-tri and at the end we would do a triathlon. I remember thinking “I don’t think I can do it!” It was as if my coach read my mind- she said, “I bet most of your VISIONS are always right- if you are willing to take the leap of faith- i-tri will get you there. After all of the activities that we did- yoga, pilates, Zumba, etc. along with all of the training, affirmations and visualization- I KNEW I could do it! And when I crossed that finish line I felt UNSTOPPABLE! “
Autumn Hardesty, 12
Conestoga Elementary | Murray, Nebraska
“I love it when my parents play basketball with me in the driveway, go for a bike ride, or take a walk or run. Kids will want to become active if they see their parents participating by themselves or with their children.”
Brennen Lopez, 12
St. Theresa School | Coral Gables, Florida
“Both my mom and dad are very active working out at the gym, running outdoors, and doing both running and obstacle races. I’ve done two 5Ks with them and will do another one now in May to benefit ALS. I feel that kids should be accustomed to being active because if not they will be living their lives on the computer or playing video games.”
Cooper Kroll, 11
The Little School | Bellevue, Washington
“I believe daily activities, like running or soccer, are as important as something like math or history. Whether it’s 50-100 jumping jacks or a game of soccer with your friends I feel it is essential to get your body moving as often as possible because movement is helpful for keeping you fit, and keeping fit is very important for lifelong health. I find that movement is also very helpful for clearing my mind. It’s not like it’s required for you to be competitive.”
Faith Watson, 10
Concord Road Elementary School | Ardsley, New York
“Kids in my generation need more or better opportunities to get active because it is easier for everyone to stay home and rest. Kids are tired after school, have a snack, do their homework, and then watch television or play on their computers. Parents are working a lot and they do not get home in time to take their children to practice or throw a ball with them. Also, technology, which is really fun, keeps kids inside and often by themselves. I think kids are missing out because they do not realize there is a whole world out there they need to participate in.”
Jayna Orris, 10
Jordan Middle School | Jordan, Minnesota
“My class already loves doing the fun “deskersizing” at school. We come into class and start our routine of exercising while using our chair for specifically designed exercising. It would be amazing to see more physical activity like this in our community and better yet- all throughout the nation.”
Max Wilson, 10
Carrillo Elementary | Carlsbad, California
“I don’t come from a family of runners. I never knew I would like running, but when I was 6 years old, I learned about my school’s running program. We have a path that goes around the playground and each lap is equal to ¼ mile. I learned that for every lap I finished, I would get a star marked on my running card, and for every 5 miles I would get a foot charm to put on a chain and collect. I set a really big goal: to run 100 miles before winter break. I ran every single minute that the running club was open, and I did it!”
Sarah Rose Shuer, 14
Windham Middle School | Windham, Maine
“It is important for kids to be physically active because it will help them live a healthy life. Kids who participate in physical activities have opportunities to make friends, raise their self-esteem, help them maintain and achieve a healthy weight, build strong bones and muscles, and lower their risk of developing type two diabetes. I have participated in many team sports. As a result I feel healthy, energetic, alert, and my weight has never been a problem.”
Tyler Moore, 11
Albert S Johnson Elementary School | Dallas, Texas
“I am a very active kid. I have been playing volleyball for my community team since the 2nd grade and I am the leader of our fitness club at school. These things help me to stay focused in school and meet new friends. I believe that physical activity makes our school a better place, because the students at our school who are in our fitness club learn to believe in themselves when we compete in fun games and different activities.”