Bunnell students driven to walk

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Eugene Monroe eats 10 egg whites, a bowl of oatmeal and fruit for breakfast.

This is just one of many fun facts Monroe shared about himself with students Friday, April 29, at Bunnell Elementary School.

Monroe and his wife, Nureya, accompanied 80 students, teachers and administrators on a larger-than-average walking school bus route from Christ Church to the school.

Monroe visited the school through connections that teachers had with employees at EverBank Field, and as part of the NFL’s Fuel Up to Play 60 program in conjunction with the Walking School Bus, a program that aims to provide a safe walking route for students from school, while being accompanied by an adult.

This nationwide program, which started at Bunnell in October, is promoted by the Florida Department of Health’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work and also focuses on correcting childhood obesity.

“Walking is a big part of being healthy,” Monroe told the students while they ate a grab-and-go breakfast in the cafeteria. “The more you walk, the more you live.”

The morning event, organized by teacher Cathie Zanella, was the kickoff to field day.

“I was impressed that (Monroe) would come all the way from New York (where he was at the NFL draft the day before) to a little school in Bunnell,” said student Lauryn Smith.

To see more photos from the walk and field day, click here.