UNION COUNTY, NJ — UnitedHealthcare hosted the final two Health Bee competitions of the 2016 spring season in Elizabeth and Scotch Plains. During spring 2016, UnitedHealthcare hosted a total of four Health Bee competitions in partnership with YMCAs throughout New Jersey.
On May 10, UnitedHealthcare hosted the competition in Elizabeth at Donald Stewart School No. 51. More than 60 students from seven middle schools throughout the Elizabeth area competed in the Jeopardy-style quiz competition designed to interest middle school students in health, fitness and nutrition.
The students from Terence C. Reilly School No. 7 were the champions of the competition, and took home a $1,000 grand prize from UnitedHealthcare to support health and fitness programs at their school. William F. Halloran School No. 22 earned second place and a $500 prize, while Dr. Antonia Pantoja School No. 27 took home the school spirit award and a $250 prize.
“Preteens are at a critical juncture in their development when they begin to make their own choices about what to eat, how often to exercise and how they feel about their bodies,” said UnitedHealthcare of New Jersey CEO Paul Marden. “The UnitedHealthcare Health Bee aims to educate students about their health in a way that’s fun and engaging. By helping kids understand how their choices affect the way their body works and feels, we hope to set them on the right path to a healthy adulthood.”
UnitedHealthcare’s final Health Bee of the 2016 season took place May 12, at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. Students from four schools competed for top health honors, with St. John Middle School taking home the top prize of $1,000. Terrill Middle School won the $500 second place prize, and Kumpf Middle School earned the $250 Spirit Award.
The YMCA has incorporated the program into its Seventh Grade Initiative program. Students participating in the program gather together to learn about fitness, nutrition, positive body image and self-esteem, and receive a complimentary YMCA membership.