Recently in the classroom: Coach Cate

On May 23rd, Safe Routes Philly hosted Coach Cate for appearances at two Philadelphia elementary schools.  Catherine "Cate" Dill is a middle school PE teacher from Sudbury, Massachusetts.  On February 1, 2011, she began an unprecedented non-vehicular 5,246 mile trek from Santa Barbara, CA to Boston, MA.  Titled "Let's Get Moving America," her impressive trip promotes physical activity throughout the school day, eating nutritiously, and living one's passions.


Coach Cate speaking to a class at Abigail Vare Elementary

Coach Cate spoke to around 225 6th-8th graders at Sharswood Elementary and Abigail Vare Elementary schools.  Cate herself was an impressive figure.  Enthusiastic, engaging but genuine, she kept students' attention with her unusual story and her undeniable credentials.  She is walking, running, cycling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and inline skating her way across the country, without support or sponsorship.  Needless to say, Cate exuded an 'outdoorsy' vibe.

The students were very receptive to her presentation, curious about the places she had been, certain practicalities of travelling cross country (Where did she sleep?  Where did she shower?), and the fact that Cate had all of her stuff with her in the classroom.  After the morning's presentations, Cate hit the well-familiar open road heading to New Jersey.

Coach Cate's visits were arranged last minute at both schools through the efforts of teachers and staff committed to wellness education.  Sharswood has a dedicated wellness team, and Safe Routes Philly visited the school last October as part of the school's Get Fit Day.  At Abigail Vale, PE teacher Melissa Ficklin is committed to bringing wellness education to her students.  We are grateful to both schools for working with Safe Routes Philly to bring innovative fitness and wellness education to Philadelphia's schoolchildren.

For more information on Coach Cate's cross-country crusade (five c's!), visit her website.