Students at Southwest Miami-Dade’s Archimedean Middle Conservatory now have an extra $10,000 to spend on exercise and wellness programs, thanks to the NFL Play 60 Grant.
Archimedean is one of only 32 schools nationwide to earn the honor, which was handed out Thursday morning by Miami Dolphins Defensive Back Nolan Carroll.
The conservatory’s successful “Back to Football Friday” health and wellness rally organized by students and teachers earlier this school year is what put the Archimedean over the top.
The NFL’s Play 60 program aims to get students active for at least an hour a day, which even Carroll admits can be difficult in the age of the Internet and cell phones.
"I had some of those things growing up, but at the same time, I told myself, I want to get outside," Nolan said. "It's something you've gotta tell yourself to go outside, have fun, even if it's just walking down the street."
Students told NBC 6 they already know where they want the money to go.
"We would like to buy more footballs, soccer balls, nets for the soccer goals, and paint for the fields," said eighth grader Adrian Molta.
Carroll’s mother, Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, was also on hand to present the P&G Super Parent award, which not only honors parents who motivate students to be physically active, but also provides $1,000 for health and recreation programs.
The defensive back said his mom is the who made sure he got his workouts in growing up.
"My mom, she's the one, my parents actually who encouraged me to go outside, and just do activities and play around and be active," Carroll said.
