Marine Elementary School students PoweredUp this winter by participating in the WinterWarm-Up Challenge!  From January 8 to February 11, Marine Elementary School kids have been staying active outside, while learning how to cross country ski, snowshoe, and ice skate.
		"The Winter Warm-Up Challenge was a huge success and the whole school had a great time getting outside and being active this winter,” stated Stephanie LeGros, Marine parent volunteer and Program Lead of the Winter Warm-Up Challenge. “The students developed an enthusiasm for winter and reached their activity goals. It's great for these kids to learn new skills that will keep them healthy and active in the great outdoors year-round."  In celebration of their 5-week challenge, they hosted a special outdoor party complete with guest-star, Chomp (the super-hero mascot) and world famous author, teacher and adventurer Ann Bancroft.   Ann was the first woman to reach the North Pole on foot and by sled. Ann and Norwegian polar explorer Liv Arnesen become the first women in history to sail and ski across Antarctica's landmass - completing it in 94-days and 1,717-miles. With her achievements, Ann was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame for the United States.  Marine Elementary facilitated this program in partnership with PowerUp and Lakeview Hospital, Community Education, Healthy Moves and the St. Croix Valley Ski Club. A special thank you to our sponsors St. Croix Valley Foundation, Youth United Way and the Marine School Association.

Photos:
1. Chomp greeted Marine Elementary School to celebrate the success of their Winter Warm-Up Challenge
2. Marine parent and winter warm-up challenge school coordinator Stefanie, Legros and PowerUp coordinator Stephanie Kovarik pose with Ann Bancroft
3. Ann Bancroft greets Marine Elementary School and shows off her array of sleds, even letting the kids play with them!