HAMMONTON — The students of St. Joseph Regional Elementary School crowded into the gym for a “dance-along” as a way to promote dancing as a healthy form of exercise.
Hosted by AtlantiCare’s Healthy Schools Program, the contest was designed to show dancing was a way to prevent heart disease, allowing people to live a healthy lifestyle, according to Kelly Carney, advancement director. Teacher Donna Kramer was in charge of the dance-along.
The school-wide event attracted students from all the grades, Carney said. They danced to two songs which were edited down to a 30-second video.
Students could use Microsoft Movie Maker — available on St. Joseph’s computer system — to tape the dances or in any format that could be converted for general broadcast.
The schools entering the contest are part of AtlantiCare’s Healthy Schools Initiative. The videos had to be submitted for judging by March 8. Prizes are being awarded to the schools and students.
The videos are to be judged on originality, creativity, and the promotion of dancing as a healthy pastime. Winners will be announced by March 29.
Prizes include $250 for one submission to support a school’s future wellness and physical activity initiatives, while two submissions will result in $100 each for the school.