Devin McCourty, safety for the New England Patriots, visited Clough to inspire the students to make smart food choices and exercise at least 60 minutes each day as part of the Fuel up to Play 60 program.
Clough nurse Tara Bellefontaine, PE teacher Dan Hayes, and cafeteria manager Mary Lee Siple decided to enroll the school in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. The program started with 90 students taking the FUP60 Pledge. After the success with the pledge Bellefontaine, Hayes, and Siple decided to pursue for grant funding from the Fuel Up to Play 60 “Playbook” where schools must commit to one new nutrition initiative and one new physical activity. Clough was 1 of 5 schools in the nation to win the prize.
The school was not only awarded $4,000 from Dairy Council & NFL to purchase a new salad bar and new innovation gym equipment, but also was treated with a visit from Devin McCourty.
Devin McCourty high fived each and every student at Clough during his visit. Mendon Upton Superintendent Dr. Maruszczak wrote in his blog about their experience, “He was an absolute delight, as he shared some fun and inspirational thoughts about his life as a Patriot, his workouts, and nutrition. He took all types of questions, from ,”What do you eat on game days?” (A really big breakfast of eggs, bacon, and French toast.) to, “What was your favorite game as a Patriot?” (It’s a tie: when we beat the Lions on Thanksgiving and everyone was watching us as they ate their turkey and the AFC Championship game a couple of years ago… and when we beat the Ravens to get to Super Bowl XLVI…now we just got to win the next one!) to even, “Do you do ballet?”(I‘d like to say that I have…. but, umm… no.) ……..I know that many of you, like me, are die-hard Patriots fans. Based upon my experience today, I would urge you to root even harder for Devin McCourty. In my opinion, this fine young man is the real deal… as he is not only athletically gifted but he is also rich in character. He deserves all the success he will no doubt earn in his promising career.”
images courtesy of Joseph P. Maruszczak
UPTON DAILY 