GARDEN GROVE, Calif. -- Students of Evans Elementary School finished the school year by participating in a school tradition of 17 years – graduating from the Marine Corps Youth Physical Fitness Program May 21.
During the graduation each student was awarded with a completion certificate or participation certificate from the program.
Students who performed outstanding throughout the year and received perfect scores from the program were also recognized.
Every year the school participates in the program to help students develop positive physical fitness habits for the future. The program involves students performing five different exercises including sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, standing long jumps and shuttle runs.
The teachers test the students on each exercise three times a year. The students must have 250 points to earn a completion certificate and a perfect score is 500 points.
“It’s a great program,” said retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Elenitsky who has participated with the program since it began at the school. “The kids continue to try their hardest. I can really see how committed they are to being physically fit.”
The students keep pushing themselves and challenging each other to do better, explained Peggy Talsma, a second grade teacher at Evans Elementary School.
Attending the graduation were more than 15 retired, active-duty and reserve Marines who shook every student’s hand and answered questions about the Marine Corps. The Marines displayed a CH-46E “Sea Knight” helicopter, a light-armored vehicle and the 12th Marine Corps District wrapped humvee for the students.
“Once you do this, you’re hooked,” said Sgt. Nicholas Sinclair, the avionics noncommissioned officer in charge with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 41. “It’s great to show the community that the Marine Corps has a softer side.”
After the teachers awarded the certificates, the children were able to look at the displays and also receive autographs from the Marines.
“I’m glad that I came here,” said Cpl. Roger Guzman, a power plants mechanic with MALS-41. “It’s such a good feeling. The kids get to see that Marines are human beings. We don’t just do good [overseas], we do good here.”
The children look forward to this day every year and the Marines are awesome for taking the time out of their schedule to do this, explained Talsma.
The program is a rewarding experience for both the students and the Marines, and students of Evans Elementary School continue to work hard to maintain their physical fitness.
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