By Krysten Call, Titans Online
HERMITAGE, Tenn. – Titans defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks surprised students and faculty at Dupont Tyler Middle School on Tuesday (9/11) to kick off this season's "Titans Tuesdays", which consists of weekly scheduled school programs and hospital visits.
Keyunta Dawson, Pannel Egboh, Derrick Morgan, Scott Solomon and Kamerion Wimbley made the team's inaugural visit of 2012 to Baptist Hospital earlier today as well. The patient visits by the five defensive ends continues a tradition that began in 1998. Titans players visit both Baptist and Saint Thomas Hospitals most every Tuesday during the season!
PHOTOS: Hospital Visit | School Visit
Marks was the honorary guest at a special school-wide assembly to encourage the youth, assert the value of healthy eating and exercising, and to share some experiences from his life as a student. The school was provided with interactive information about the Titans PLAY 60 and Fuel Up to Play 60 programs as well as some extra fun ways to get outdoors and exercise with Titans partners Tennessee State Parks, the American Heart Association and the Southeast Dairy Association.
Dupont Tyler students were energized as Marks explained why being physically active for at least 60 minutes a day is important. He said that his mom would not allow him to sit in the house all day. He had to go outside and play and he loved it. He and his friends were always doing something active like playing kick ball, baseball, football and basketball to stay entertained. Marks also stressed, in addition to leading an active lifestyle, that everyone should eat a healthy diet that includes low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains.
During the assembly he also spoke about the value of education and making school and homework a priority each day. To illustrate the importance of studying, Marks highlighted what a typical work day looks like for him, and many students were surprised to hear the amount of time each player spends in the classroom studying for each game.
After the assembly, a small group of students were chosen by the school for their leadership, grades and behavior to spend additional time with Marks for a meet and greet opportunity. The students were able to ask questions and were each given an autographed Titans PLAY 60 folder.
School board leaders, counselors and the school's administrators were very encouraged to hear Marks speak about the importance of making good life choices and to always have goals to work toward. He even made reference to speaking to a school counselor for guidance and to not be afraid to ask questions because that is how we learn.
As the Titans Tuesday school program continues to visit schools in the community, the Titans aim to expose the youth to great programs that could impact each student in a positive way. For more information about the various Titans and NFL affiliate programs and challenges available to schools and students in the area, check the links below:
