GREENSBORO, N.C. — For students at Wiley Elementary School in Greensboro, every school day starts with pump-up music, push-ups and purpose.
"I think the exercise, it releases the endorphins, and they feel good about themselves. We want that physical activity to translate to their academic progress," P.E. instructor Marland Wiggins explained.
Wiggins said he always had an interest in athletics and translated his passion to the classroom. A few years ago, on the suggestion of principal Dr. LaToya Kennedy, he started implementing a morning motivation called the "Dubs with Coach" morning show.
The routine, typically done in the media center, is approximately 10 minutes of physical exercise, meditation and motivational speaking. It broadcasts to every classroom during morning announcements, encouraging all students to start the day with a positive mindset.
"Dubs with Coach" is now a coveted experience students work hard to join.
"It has blossomed and bloomed to something so special. Every day, they ask me, 'Coach, can I please be on the morning show?' I say, 'Well, wait a minute. Let me talk to your teacher and see if you're meeting the requirements,'" he said.
Those requirements include academic progress and good character, values he hopes will translate into student' future careers.
"We want the students to know they are winners, and just like the mascot, the Wiley eagle, they can soar above certain situations," he said.
He professes to his students, "If we can achieve it, we can be it." The key is pushing through...and dreaming big.