Seaford Manor School Celebrates Winning Grant for New Playground

Story by Felicia Febrizio from Seaford School District 

For Seaford Manor Elementary School, the third time is the charm. After vying for a playground in two separate contests and coming in second both times, the school finally drummed up enough voting power to crown them the winners in the Together Counts Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes.

As one of two grand-prize winners, the school received a $30,000 grant to improve its wellness program and a new playground to be completed before the new school year.

“When I heard the news, I was speechless,” said Seaford Manor Principal Debra Emmerich. “Our old playground was deemed unsafe and had to be torn down. Our school community has put their heart and soul into trying to win a playground for the past three years. It’s a wonderful feeling to see that they were finally rewarded for their efforts.”

The “Together Counts” program was created by Discovery Education and the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation. The foundation helps people achieve healthy weight through Energy Balance — calories taken in through good nutrition and calories taken out through physical activity. It spearheaded a national campaign to eliminate obesity, especially in children, by 2015.

Susan Ralston of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation presented a large cardboard $30,000 check for the school’s wellness program during a special ceremony in front of the whole student body, administrators, public officials and PTA volunteers. Representatives from Playworld Systems and Good Sports, who are collaborating with the foundation to construct the playground, were also in attendance.

The playground became a reality thanks to Kathy Mertz who learned about the contest when she was researching for grants online. She signed the school up and contacted PTA member Laurie Scimeca. Thrilled by the opportunity, PTA presidents Maria Patsatsis and Tracy Padavan, and playground committee members sent out an email blast asking parents and relatives to register to vote in the contest. The Manor School beat 300,000 contestants nationwide.

“The principle behind the program is Energy Balance; a balance between energy in and energy out” said Assistant Principal Pat Gelling. “Certainly our PTA represents a unique Energy Balance — they put plenty of energy in and our students reap the benefits of the energy out.”