Teachers and students help each other to make positive change

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – In Battle Creek, Endeavor Challenge Academy teachers wanted to make a positive change in their lives, what surprised them was that some of their biggest coaches would turn out to be their own students.

It's not everyday that you see students and teachers exercising together, but that's the game plan for one dedicated group of teachers who wanted to do something positive for themselves during the school year, namely eating right and exercising.

"We wanted to do something for the school year, so we decided to eat and exercise right and be role models for our students," said fourth grade teacher Emily Kane.

After a few months of hall squats and push-ups, their fitness inspired campaign caught on, and now students are signing up. In fact it's become a hit.

Ten-year-old Giorgio West says following the lead of his teachers has made him a lot stronger.

"Because it's active," said West, "and it helps our bones get stronger."

Now many students have become so involved in the program that not only are they themselves living healthier lives, they've also started took out for their teachers when they slip.

"They are my coaches," said teacher Julie McNee-Ruger, "and ask me how I'm doing."

Those involved say the benefits have changed things not just in and outside of the classroom, but for everyone involved in the fitness challenge.

"It's given me more energy for my two girls at home, and more energy for my classroom," said McNee-Ruger.

The good news is that the program has been so successful that teachers are trying to incorporate their healthy living program into other classes with the curriculum.