1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Teacher Lori King, DFMWR, and Wheeler Middle School community members (including staff and families) come together to celebrate “DON’T QUIT!” A fitness center that serves as a base for students’ physical and mental health activities. (Photo by Robert Haynes) View original 2 / 7 Show caption + Hide caption – National Governors Fitness Council Foundation President Jake Steinfeld with DFMWR Director Ms. Lori King during DON’T QUIT conversation! Fitness center ribbon cutting ceremony at Wheeler Middle School. The event highlighted the importance of fitness in supporting military students’ academic performance and mental health. (Photo by Robert Haynes) View original 3 / 7 Show caption + Hide caption – National Governors Fitness Council Foundation President Jake Steinfeld participates in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wheeler Middle School to unveil the brand new DON Don’t stop opening! Fitness center. The center is part of a $100,000 grant aimed at promoting fitness and mental health among military-affiliated students. (Photo by Robert Haynes) View original 4 / 7 Show caption + Hide caption – Jake Steinfeld surrounded by Wheeler Middle School students at a celebratory event to officially begin “DON’T QUIT!” moment. Fitness center. The new center will provide critical physical and mental health resources to military families. (Photo by Robert Haynes) View original 5 / 7 Show caption + Hide caption – Wheeler Middle School students get active with the new “DON’T QUIT!” A fitness center to try out state-of-the-art cardio equipment provided by a $100,000 grant from the National Governors Fitness Council Foundation. (Photo by Robert Haynes) View original 6 / 7 Show caption + Hide caption – Students work out strength training at Wheeler Middle School’s new fitness center, which serves more than 97% of military children. . The facility provides spaces that promote a healthy lifestyle and support physical and mental development. (Photo by Robert Haynes) View original 7 / 7 Show caption + Hide caption – Wheeler Middle School students tested a new rowing machine with DON’T QUIT! Fitness center. This facility is designed to improve the physical fitness and mental health of Hawaii’s military families. (Photo by Robert Haynes) View original
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii – Maj. Sheldon Wheeler Middle School, located at Wheeler Army Airfield, celebrated the cutting of its new $100,000 “Don’t Quit!” ribbon. Fitness center. This state-of-the-art facility is made possible by the National Governors Fitness Council Foundation (NFGFC) and aims to improve student health by promoting physical activity and mental health among school-aged children .
Wheeler Middle School is under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Department of Education, but serves a significant number of children from military families based at Wheeler Army Airfield and Schofield Barracks. The new fitness center will play a vital role in supporting the school’s unique military community, providing students with a much-needed means of both physical exercise and mental wellness.
Wheeler Middle School is one of three schools in Hawaii selected to be a “DON’T QUIT!” The fitness center is part of NFGFC’s national effort to provide fitness centers in all 50 states. Through public-private partnerships, the foundation builds these fitness centers without injecting taxpayer or state funds.
Ms. Lori King, Director of Family Morality Services, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, Fitness Icon Jake Steinfeld, NFGFC President, Terry Waltz, Wheeler Middle School Vice Principal, Sheryl Lee, Wheeler Middle School Teacher Attendees at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony were in attendance and praised the school’s commitment to student health and fitness. Steinfeld, known for his motto “Never Quit,” emphasized the role of fitness in academic success, noting that physical activity not only improves health, but also boosts confidence, self-esteem and class performance.
“Physical fitness has always been essential in the Army, and immersing children in fitness at the secondary school level is key to a healthy lifestyle and productive future,” Ms. King said.
Wheeler Middle School has a large student body with military backgrounds and understands the challenges military families face. Frequent job transfers and parental assignments often create stress for children. Don’t quit! The fitness center serves as an important resource that provides students with a physical outlet to manage their mental health.
“We are especially excited for our military-impacted students, who have the added burden of relocating and deploying their families,” said Sheryl Lee. “This fitness center will add an additional layer of support and help students stay physically and mentally healthy.”
The new facility will be available for physical education classes, morning open athletic sessions, and after-school programs, ensuring multiple opportunities for students to stay active. The school community also wants to integrate the fitness center into team sports conditioning and student clubs to promote a sense of belonging and teamwork among students.
This fitness center is the result of a strong partnership with the Hawaii Department of Education, NFGFC, and the U.S. Military. As part of the Army’s commitment to physical fitness and family support, this new facility is fully aligned with the Army’s values of promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
Fitness icon Jake Steinfeld, who spoke at the event, emphasized the positive impact fitness can have on the lives of students, especially those in the military. “It’s an honor to be here at Wheeler Middle and see the difference this fitness center will make. Physical fitness is the foundation of a healthy life, and this center will help students grow both in and out of the classroom. I believe it will help.”
Don’t quit! The fitness center is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to student health. Looking to the future, the school envisions its fitness center as an enduring resource that develops both physical strength and mental resilience, allowing military students to face the challenges of adolescence and military life with confidence and strength. be able to do so.
The fitness center is officially open and the school community is looking forward to making a big difference for the students at Wheeler Middle School.
