New England Patriots Players and Cheerleaders visit Lafayette students to promote healthy eating and exercise

  New England Patriots Cheerleaders visited Lafayette School students on Wednesday morning. The New England Patriots Foundation and New England Dairy awarded a $10,000 Hometown Grant to Lafayette School as part of the organizations’ continued commitment to student health. The funds are being used to enhance the school’s wellness environment through the purchase of two new grab and go meal carts to increase access to school breakfast and new physical activity equipment for students.

  The school held a Hometown Grant celebration that kicked off with the arrival of special guests from the New England Patriots Foundation, including President Josh Kraft, Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett, current Patriots players including Trent Brown, Marcus Jones and Cole Strange, the NE Patriots cheerleaders and mascot Pat Patriot.During the assembly, students heard from a variety of guests, including Josh Kraft, Mayor Carlo DeMaria, State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Principal David Brady, Massachusetts dairy farmer Ted Dunajski from Dunajski Dairy in Peabody, and New England Dairy Director of Youth Wellness Erin Wholey, RD, LDN. After a question-and-answer session between the students, Patriots players, and the dairy farmer, the assembly closed with an energizing performance by the school cheer team.

  “Eating healthy and staying active sets students up for long-term success in and out of the classroom,” said Kraft. “The New England Patriots are proud to present the Hometown Grant to Lafayette School, so they have the tools necessary to help students succeed each day.”

  Following the assembly, a select group of students participated in the Ultimate Recess, a rotation of football skills and drills exercises. The students rotated through engaging team-building and physical activities, led by the New England Patriots players. The excitement was palpable throughout the day’s events.

  “Everett Public Schools extends its sincerest thanks to the New England Patriots Foundation and its partners for the tremendous support it has given to the Lafayette School,” said Supt. of Schools Priya Tahiliani. “This initiative has brought great joy to our students and staff, and it will have a lasting and positive impact on the Lafayette community.”

  Developed by Fuel Up to Play 60 and the National Football League, the Hometown Grant program identifies deserving schools and helps fund their physical activity and healthy eating goals. Fuel Up to Play 60 is the nation’s largest in-school wellness program that encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This program is supported regionally by the dairy farm families of Massachusetts and New England.

  “As members of the community, dairy farmers are proud to support the success of the next generation,” said dairy farmer Ted Dunajski. “Our partnership with the New England Patriots through Fuel Up to Play 60 allows us to expand our support to ensure youth have access to the nutritious school meals and physical activity they need to thrive.”

  New England Dairy and Massachusetts dairy farm families have been supporting local schools for over a century. Dairy farms are the heartbeat of communities throughout New England, creating jobs, investing in the local economy and supporting childhood health and education.