Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD
Providing our students with the supports, tools, and diverse opportunities needed to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world
- Kenmore Town of Tonawanda UFSD
- Overview
Hoover Elementary Takes Part in Play 60 Challenge
Hoover Elementary is being rewarded for its effort to get kids moving and staying active throughout the school year.
On Tuesday, Hoover was one of several schools invited to Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park to take part in the Play 60 Challenge kickoff event. The Buffalo Bills, in partnership with the Independent Health Foundation and the Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association, host this event to encourage kids to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day.
A total of 26 elementary students in grades 3-5 represented Hoover at the field. The kids toured the Bills' home locker room to start the day and were able to meet and ask questions to Bills players AJ Epenesa, CJ Brewer, Shaq Lawson, Tommy Sweeney, and Quintin Morris.
"My favorite part of the day was seeing all the happy smiles from all of our Hoover students," Hoover assistant principal Danielle Frye said. "I've seen videos as far as what they do at the Play 60 Challenge, but the players were incredible. It was amazing how involved they were with our students."
After the locker room visit, the skies cleared up and activities began on the Bills home turf. Stations were set up from endzone to endzone, giving kids some physical activity and teaching them a few football skills. A few more players joined in on the fun, including wide receivers Isaiah McKenzie and Jamison Crowder.
McKenzie took time out of the afternoon to talk to 3rd grader Kaila Doll, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer before Kindergarten. Kaila says McKenzie asked her questions about herself and her family before giving her a high five and a hug.
"Just like all our students, Kaila is a special student," Frye said. "The fact that he took the time to recognize her and talk to her, means the world to us and our Hoover family."