Fitness Gurus Launch Scholarship

Treby Davis never thought doing stomach crunches would help a local high school student pay for an ACT test.

But the efforts of a local fitness group are reaching far beyond the workout room.

The CWR Fitness Class, which meets on Mondays in Anderson, recently became aware of several existing needs at McDonald County High School.

Among them:

• There are less fortunate and homeless students who need food.

• Some students who have joined FFA or other organizations need proper attire but lack the funds to purchase the uniform.

• Others qualify to take the first ACT test for free, but can't afford to take additional tests to improve their score.

Now, fitness class organizers and members are launching a scholarship with $350 in seed money from the proceeds of class registration fees. High school counselors will help identify students who qualify for the scholarship.

The class meets weekly and participants learn a fitness regime for life, as well as train for the upcoming County Trailblazer on March 18.

There's a true sampling of the population who participate -- from 10-year-olds to folks in their late 60s. Some have participated in the fitness class for years.

While exercising with others is a fun, bonding experience, it's critical to reach out to help young people in need, Davis said.

Davis, who said she's 62 years old but looks about 42, said helping others with the class proceeds is "awesome."

"Tony and Andrea (the class' organizers) have a heart toward community. Everything they do is about community," Davis said.

She got involved in the class four years ago. Her daughter, who trained for a half-marathon, inspired her to do more than just her regular walking. She's now finished a 5K and two 10K races.

"This class is motivating. You can have the great fellowship and they're all suffering with you," she said, laughing.

Her daughter, Stacie Simpson, said knowing the class registration fees help the less fortunate is a major motivator for joining.

"It's the biggest pull to join. You get in shape and you're doing good charity work," she said.

In the past, Tony and Andrea Blair have asked the class to help support snackpack efforts for local children. The idea for the scholarship was sparked when others learned of the tremendous need at the high school.

McDonald County High School Guidance Counselor Mike Shaddox said the scholarship money will be targeted for students in need of resources. Examples, he said, include reading glasses, fees for spring competition, ACT tests, club attire and more.

"If our teachers are aware of a need, we can use that fund to help them."

Shaddox, one of three guidance counselors, is in his sixth year at the school. He's also a former student, graduating in 2006. He said the scholarship's establishment is testament to the community's giving spirit.

"It shows how willing our community is to provide for students in need," he said. "This is one of the most giving communities I've ever seen."

"Someone is always willing to stand in and fill the gap."

Shawn Cooper, a member of the fitness class, loves being a part of such a neat concept. He believes it's great that people are coming together in the community to get fit. and to help young people, too?

"It's just a phenomenal ministry."