It was a big day for Mrs. Sylvester’s third grade class at William Henry Burkhart Elementary in Indianapolis. They won the essay contest that wrapped up the Riley Children’s Health Change the Play Spring Challenge. The challenge consists of eight weeks of activities, led by Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, that help kids learn healthy habits. This spring, 123 teachers and 2,720 students across Indiana participated. Mrs. Sylvester’s third grade class entered the winning essay (below) – landing them the surprise of a lifetime: a visit from Andrew Luck and Riley Children’s Health. Riley Children’s Health particularly liked this line from the essay: “Our class has two mantras: I Never Give Up and I Am Successful”.

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Andrew surprised Mrs. Sylvester’s third grade class. Then, he and the third grade students  surprised the entire school at an assembly. Andrew led the school in stretches and a conversation about healthy habits.

The Change the Play program is just one way Riley Children’s Health is working to counter the high rates of pediatric obesity, diabetes and heart disease in the state of Indiana.

Mrs. Sylvester’s class essay:
Each day our class loves to relax (or maybe just wiggle) with easy to follow videos that allow us to stretch, move, and dance! We love music, so sometimes we just play a song and move around the classroom. We talk about making healthy choices in the cafeteria by choosing yummy fruits and veggies. Mrs. Sylvester is always eating broccoli and encouraging the students to try it too on broccoli day! We share our successes from our after-school sports and gymnastics, our funny playful times at home, and winning during recess play when we share stories as a group. Our class also tries to head to the gym on cold or rainy days and get in a few minutes of physical activity during indoor recess. It’s one of our favorite ways to keep moving! Our class has two mantras…I Never Give Up and I Am Successful. We say these things always, when working hard in school or when playing hard physically. We are all excited to CHANGE THE PLAY!

News release courtesy of Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health

Courtesy: Riley Children’s Health