Mount Vernon STEAM Academy students compete in Army fitness test
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy students competed against each other in a series of physical fitness tests administered by members of the U.S. Army on Friday, May 31, 2024. Classes split up into groups of six, and soldiers guided participants through three workout stations. Students on the winning team were awarded with t-shirts.
Students bear crawled, wheelbarrow walked with partners and ran with equipment to simulate different Army exercises. They also did pushups, burpees and deadlifts. The Army’s visit to STEAM Academy for the fitness challenge was organized by School Counselor Toni-Ann Trombetta.
“This was great. I really got to compete against some great people, and I would definitely do this again,” said Jayden Hall, tenth grade student at the STEAM Academy. “The training was very intense."
The fitness challenge showed students the types of training they might face in the Army. The competitive aspect of the challenges allowed students to have fun and laugh as they completed the workouts.
“When the Army comes in, the kids are getting a real-life experience as to what the fitness challenge is and what fitness requirements they would be exposed to should they apply for one of the military branches,” said Director of Physical Education and Health Lisa Mayzun. “These are still the components of fitness that we teach in physical education, so it supports muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. We are still supporting the components of fitness that are essential to our program overall, but they get real-life exposure and a different experience.”
Throughout the day, students took their turn at the fitness challenge during their physical education classes. Members of the Army also set up tables in the gym and shared resources and information about the U.S. Army.