Verona Students Take Steps To Healthier Lifestyle | Education

Verona Middle School students showcased their dancing moves, along with selected schools from across the country on Tuesday in a nationwide workout that organizers hope will inspire teens to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

"This is a great opportunity for our school and I think it really brings us together," eighth-grader Kori Keyes said.

With an undeniable beat from recording artist Beyonce, who partnered with the National Association of Broadcasters, more than 600 schools around the country participated in the exact same choreographed flash workout at precisely 12:42 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.

"Having that thought in their head when they're making their choice of what should they do, should they sit down and watch a television show or should they go do something?" Cindy Olson, associate principal.

Students got the message, which was carefully packaged in a fun and exciting way.

"Well, it's so you don't get lazy and get big and not be able to do fun stuff like this," Christian Baltes, another eighth grader.

The flash workout compliments first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Campaign. Organizers hope teens empower themselves to live an active, healthy lifestyle, one worth cheering for.

"Hopefully, if one child, or one middle-schooler makes the choice to move instead of sit, then we've done our work," Olson said.

Organizers said they can't stress enough how much of the change begins with parents. Their message to families: Engage in activities that inspire children to move and think about those healthy lifestyle choices.