Published: October 21, 2009 11:05 pm      

Shanksville pupils meet the Challenge

SHANKSVILLE — Everyone likes to be a winner.

Shanksville-Stonycreek School District elementary and middle school pupils have a reason to celebrate: They’ve been named tops in the state in the new Outdoors Challenge program.

The program promotes physical activity, healthful eating and conservation through close-to-home activity and recreation.

The program was developed by the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, in partnership with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Fish and Boat Commission, Recreation Park Society and Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

As a reward, members of the Fish and Boat Commission presented the school with 30 fishing rods and reels and 15 tackle boxes in hopes the pupils will continue to be active in recreational activities.

The presentation was made during an assembly Wednesday

“I tell the students you have to play to win and you have to try,” said David Mapes, a health and physical education teacher and program coordinator.

“This is wonderful for us, and I always thought we have a special school, so to be named the winner is great.”

During the two-week challenge, pupils had to track their activities and chart how much time they spent on each activity.

They also received points for healthful eating and incorporating food such as fruits and vegetables into their diets.

Mapes said the school submitted the highest number of participants – 256 out of the 264 eligible pupils – to win the state award.

Fifteen school districts in the state participated in the program.

Following the presentation, pupils were treated to a demonstration of the fishing rods by high school senior Ben Tawney, who is a national casting champion.

Tawney and high school Principal

Sam Romesberg took turns casting at targets.