ETHS welcomed Chicago Bears linebacker Sam Acho to the school for a Fuel Up To Play 60 celebration in recognition of National School Breakfast Week, this past Friday, March 11.

“This event increased awareness of, one, our breakfast program, but two, the importance of breakfast and nutrition. We got a role model here, and Sam Acho really proved that he’s a fine role model for all of our youth to realize what it takes to be successful,” said Superintendent Eric Witherspoon.

Fuel Up To Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program that was launched by the National Football League and the National Dairy Council, in order to encourage today’s youth to lead healthier lives. The initiative also encourages students to actively engage within their communities, and to becomes leaders among their peers.

“The Fuel Up To Play 60 initiative is important because it reminds you that you have to eat breakfast to fuel up your body, because that fuel will drive you throughout your day, and help you in academics and in athletics,” stated Acho.

A healthy breakfast was served to attendees by volunteers as Acho addressed a mixed crowd of students and staff for approximately thirty minutes about the qualities found in a good leader, as well as the importance of eating right and exercising.

“Leading is so important, especially here at ETHS, because this is a school built for leaders. It’s a huge school but it’s a diverse school and my encouragement to you all is to learn from one another, find a cause and rally people behind that cause, and to be yourself,” said Acho.

The crowd reacted positively to the speech, and the energy was kept high in the room as Acho lead the group through the official school fight song, held a brief question-and-answer session, raffled off signed footballs, and posed for photos with students.

“My goal is that the students here will understand that they are leaders and whether they realize it or not the experience they had here at Evanston Township is going to go with them for the rest of their lives,” stated Acho.