Addison Trail celebrates annual Physical Education/Lettermen Club Week

From March 16 to 20, Addison Trail hosted its annual Physical Education/Lettermen Club Week.

The event involves a weeklong celebration of health and wellness through activities and speakers. The week culminates with the school's annual Superstars Assembly, where classes and staff go head to head in a variety of competitions. This year’s competitions included an obstacle course, a scooter race, a push-up contest, a Hula-Hoop competition, a half-court-shot contest, a spot-shooting contest and a dodgeball tournament. Points were awarded to each class based on the assembly competitions, and the seniors were named as the winning class. Staff came in 2nd place, sophomores came in 3rd place, freshmen came in 4th place and juniors came in 5th place.

On March 16, students were able to speak with Addison Trail alumnus Toma Dobrosavljevic (class of 1999), who is this season’s winner of "The Biggest Loser" (NBC’s competitive weight-loss TV show). The theme of this season was “The Biggest Loser: Glory Days,” and Dobrosavljevic played football, volleyball, baseball, tennis, basketball and soccer in high school.

During his visit, Dobrosavljevic shared his experiences of being a contestant on “The Biggest Loser” and his journey of losing 171 pounds. He said he began the show at 336 pounds and was determined to fulfill a promise he made to his dad before his dad passed away – to live a healthier lifestyle.

“Before ‘The Biggest Loser,’ I thought I was making the right decisions to help my family,” Dobrosavljevic said. “I now realize that staying healthy is the best way I can help them. I have more energy, my mental state has improved and I have more confidence.”

Dobrosavljevic told the students high school is the time to develop good habits such as exercising regularly and eating right. He stressed the importance of taking an hour a day to work out.

“While it’s great to be the winner of ‘The Biggest Loser,’ the true reward is knowing I’m on the path to well-being,” Dobrosavljevic said. “I felt like I had let my family down, my friends down and myself down. I’m proud to fulfill my promise that I would make a change.”

To see Dobrosavljevic’s speech, go to https://dupage88.net/site/public/videos/?item=102. 

On March 20, Addison Trail alumna Julia Rowley (class of 2014) spoke to students about her struggle with an eating disorder. She discussed the importance of self-acceptance and offered tips on how to overcome obstacles in life. She shared her personal experiences and challenges and told each student to strive to find happiness.

Physical Education Department Chair Rob Schader said Physical Education/Lettermen Club Week provides students with information about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, promotes school spirit and raises money for a cause. This year, the 41-year-old tradition raised nearly $500 for the American Heart Association through a penny war and other activities.