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YMCA helps students get fit

| 19 Nov 2023 | 05:47
    Y1 Reagan Darvalics, Brooklyn Nunes and Emma Dutko are assisted by Alma Dhuyvetter, a senior health, wellness and sports director at the Sussex County Y in Hardyston. (Photos provided by Mollie Shauger)
    Y1 Reagan Darvalics, Brooklyn Nunes and Emma Dutko are assisted by Alma Dhuyvetter, a senior health, wellness and sports director at the Sussex County Y in Hardyston. (Photos provided by Mollie Shauger)
    Y2 Students participate in a group exercise class.
    Y2 Students participate in a group exercise class.
    Instructor Ron Fisher leads the group in a fitness class.
    Instructor Ron Fisher leads the group in a fitness class.

The Sussex County YMCA, in conjunction with the Sussex County Division of Health and Franklin Borough School District, just concluded a six-week program designed to promote healthy habits among middle school students.

In the Empower U-Franklin Fit Club, 26 students came to the Y for two hours on Friday afternoons for training in the Wellness Center and to try a new group fitness class each week.

Franklin School offered students the option to enroll, and the Y provided free memberships through its Middle School Initiative, a program supported by fundraising during the Y’s annual support campaign. Families of participants also received a free three-month family membership to the Y on completion of the program.

”The program was implemented in response to local health studies of student BMI (body mass index) throughout the county,” said Mollie Shauger, communications director for the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges.

The goal was to increase the proportion of Franklin elementary school-age children who are at a healthy weight and to improve nutritional food choices and encourage physical activity, said Danielle Osellame of the Sussex County Division of Health, who spearheaded the program.

“It has been a wonderful experience and opportunity to be able to bring together so many different resources in Sussex County to make this program successful,” she said.

JR Giacchi, superintendent of Franklin Borough School and a member of the Sussex County Y board of managers, said, “As educators, our goal is to provide students with a well-rounded education that not only focuses on academic success but also promotes healthy habits and physical fitness. By instilling these habits early on, we can help our students lead healthier, happier, and more active lives.”

Peggy Askew, a Y member with two children, ages 11 and 12, attending the program, said it “has definitely changed my kids for the better.”

“They are more health-conscious, confident, stronger and independent. We are all thankful for this wonderful opportunity.”