In an effort to promote health in the town, Scarborough Wellness presents the “Wellie”, an award given annually to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to promoting health in the town over the previous year. This year Scarborough Wellness is presenting Wellie Awards to two individuals for their ongoing leadership and contributions to the health of Scarborough youth:
· Heather Labbe: In her role as Physical Education teacher at the Scarborough Middle School, soccer coach, and track coach, Heather has promoted health and fitness with Scarborough youth for the past 12 years. In addition, this year she led two unique projects that have impacted the lives of Middle School students and their families. Under Heather’s guidance, one of the 7th grade classes studied childhood obesity for their Community, School, and Self (CSS) service project. The students’ research culminated in the development of a brochure that provided suggestions on how to stay active for the whole family, with plans to distribute the educational brochure widely. In addition, Heather also helped coordinate a collaborative project between the Middle School, University of New England (UNE), OPTA and the Theraband company. With Heather’s help, a group of UNE physical therapy students made a research presentation on youth overweight to over 70 Middle School faculty members, and coordinated a donation of Theraband exercise bands that will be used in the 6th grade PE class to introduce the concept of “motor breaks” during the school day, as well as at home. Heather has truly influenced the lives of more than just her own students this year!
· Dan Warren and the Youth Sports Forum: Dan is a Scarborough resident who founded and leads the Scarborough Youth Sports Forum. The Forum fills a need in our community for parents who want to introduce sports to children at an early age. Dan has organized skills- building sessions for young children to learn about soccer, basketball, baseball and golf, while also promoting a philosophy that links physical activity, good nutrition and community service. Dan often uses his own backyard for these activities and involves older children from Wentworth & Middle Schools to mentor younger ones during these sessions. He is also known for organizing annual jump rope contests in town so youth of all ages can get involved and feel great about their accomplishments. Youth who have participated in his events not only learn how to shoot foul shots, but also learn teamwork by participating in events like blood drives, beach clean up or visiting our local veterans home throughout the year. Scarborough is lucky to have a person who cares about our youth and leads this effort to develop healthy habits at an early age!
The Wellie is given annually to an organization or individual that has helped to advance healthy lifestyles for the citizens of Scarborough by undertaking one or more activities that promote healthy eating and/or physical activity, use positive messages to promote healthy lifestyles, and reach a wide number of people across the town. The first Wellie Award in 2006 was given to the Scarborough Blue Point School for its efforts to promote healthy eating and physical activities for the students at the school.
Scarborough Wellness recognized the winners of this year’s Wellie Award at the Scarborough School Board Meeting on Thursday, February 1st, and will recognize them again at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, March 7th. Each winner will receive an individual plaque for public display, and will also be listed on a plaque with the names of all Wellie winners that will be displayed at the Scarborough Public Library. Winners also receive a cash award with donations from Ken Simons at Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Associates; Jim Damicis at PolicyOne Research; Mark Maroon at Allied Mortgage Scarborough Downs; Shawn Withers at Natural Motion Martial Arts; and
Freaky Bean. Hannaford in Scarborough will also be providing a donation of a healthy meal or snack to each of the awardees.
~Brought to you by Scarborough Wellness~
Local citizens promoting healthy lifestyles for people of all ages!