Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Fuel Up to Play 60 with Mojo!

To a cheering student audience, Jacksonville Jaguar player, Maurice Jones-Drew took the stage. He was at Chets Creek today to speak to third, fourth, and fifth grade students about a special program, Fuel Up to Play 60 which emphasizes healthy eating and sixty minutes of physical activity every day. A grant written by our P.E. Coaches, Estrella Bailey and Ray Robinson funded the memorable assembly which will surely be a highlight of the kids' school year.

Jones-Drew not only spoke to the kids but eagerly answered oodles of questions. Just a few of the questions our students wanted to know:
What are your favorite foods? How much time do you spend working out during the season? What do you feel like in the five minutes before you take the field? What does it feel like to score a touchdown? Who do you think will win this year's Superbowl? Who is your favorite college team? Who is your biggest opponent?

My son took the stage to ask, "Who was your childhood hero?" to which Mojo answered, "My grandfather." Later my son remembered being told that Maurice's name was Maurice Drew, but in college while playing in the Rose Bowl, Maurice's grandfather died of a heart attack. In tribute to his grandfather he added his grandfather's surname, Jones, to his own name becoming Maurice Jones-Drew. What a great lesson for my young son to learn about honoring your lifelong heroes.

In the final minutes, our Principal, Susan Phillips asked, "What was your favorite subject in school?" Of course, he got a round of applause when he answered, "I am a mathematician!"

Here's to you Maurice, for not only sending the stay fit and healthy message, but also for reminding students to continually work toward their goals because anything is possible.

2 comments:

Maria Mallon & Cheryl Dillard said...

This was a true treat for the students at CCE. It was a wonderful assembly and Maurice inspired many children with his story and heartfelt answers to their questions. MM

Dee Dee Tamburrino said...

We had to watch via closed-circuit TV because the cafeteria couldn't hold more than 3 grade levels at one time. It was almost as good as being there :)

At least 6 students in my class were sporting MOJO jerseys with his number 32 on the front and back. One child could rattle off Mr. Jones-Drew's stats like they were his own.

When I asked what part of his body had been injured, they all reported "HIS KNEE!!" (Sorry, kids, I guess I'm out of the loop.)

It was extremely evident that he has an impact on children wherever he goes. Maybe he'll send his little ones to the Creek and we'll get to see more of him!

Thanks Coaches Bailey and Robinson for making this happen for our kids!