Staley Students Try To Walk 1,000 Miles

Rome, NY (WIBX) - Students at Staley Upper Elementary School are showing their support for National Heart Month, and the American Heart Association, by taking part in the school's first "Staley Greatest Heart Walk."

"We're particpating in a walking program, which is a really good life-long activity, and we want the kids to find things that they like and do them for life," said Staley Physical Education teacher Diane Penella.

Fifth and sixth grade students began tracking their miles this week with a collective goal of 1,000 miles by March 11th. As of Thursday, students had walked a combined 98 miles.

Each student is encouraged to walk 35 miles - that's the distance from Staley to Utica College, a 5-mile walk around the campus and back to Staley, school officials said.

"It's really important to get it around how important physical activity is, finding something you love and can do for a life time," Penella said.

(Story by WIBX intern Gino Geruntino)