Mason students take part in NFL health program

Six students from Mason Middle School in the Waterford School District recently received the opportunity of a lifetime to walk onto the turf at Ford Field and mingle with former and current members of the Detroit Lions.

The students were a part of the National Football League’s (NFL) “Fuel Up to Play 60 Kickoff to School Health” event at Ford Field on Tuesday, Sept. 27, during which 34 schools from across the state were invited to participate.

“It’s an opportunity for these students to take part in a special leadership activity that will have a positive effect on the entire student body,” said Rhonda Lessel, the Waterford district’s school and community services specialist. “We’re looking forward to implementing the new ideas they bring back and will encourage students to embrace these healthy lifestyle changes.”

The Mason students who participated include Brandon Mooney, Jared Jones, Jake Duffy, Nicole Swanson, Sydney Spurlock, and Bridget Ekis.

Also participating in the event were former Lions defensive end Luther Elliss and former wide receiver Herman Moore, along with current Lions defensive end Cliff Avril and wide receiver Nate Burleson.

The event included activities such as football training camp-style drills and food tasting, as well as pep talks from the Lions players and the expertise of a registered dietitian and a physical education professional.

The NFL Play 60 program was developed by the NFL in 2008 in conjunction with the National Dairy Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help improve the nutrition and physical activity habits of students by encouraging at least an hour of play daily.