Planet Fitness is teaming up with the Dedham public schools to offer a “wellness scholarship” that will be open to four Dedham High students, one from each grade.
Winners of the scholarship will receive a one-year membership to the new Planet Fitness in Dedham, which will be located in Dedham Plaza at 695 Providence Highway, the former side of Pier 1 Imports. Jonathan Epstein, co-owner of Dedham’s Planet Fitness, said the first round of scholarship recipients will be announced following Christmas break.
The wellness scholarship is not targeting student-athletes, “but more the student who thinks, ‘Gee, I haven’t really tried a gym, maybe I’d like the opportunity,” said Superintendent of Schools June Doe. It also encourages physical activity, and will allow some students to access the gym at no cost, she said.
In this economy, Doe said, “If kids can have some benefit and not have to pay for it, then we’re happy to have that work for them.”
Students can pick up applications for the scholarship in the high school guidance department. The application includes eight questions and a short essay; applicants will be judged on academics, health and community involvement. Planet Fitness owners and school staff will select the winners. But, Epstein insists, the scholarship is not limited to the star quarterback or field hockey player.
Epstein is the chief marketing officer of Core Development and Management, a Planet Fitness franchisee that operates the Planet Fitness gyms in Franklin, Marlborough and Walpole. He said the scholarship has been a success when offered at local high schools, and that the biggest reward to come from it has been watching students gain the confidence to try new things.
“If you are feeling good about yourself, then you can push yourself to be more involved in the community, to live a more balanced life,” he said.
Dedham Transcript editor Andrea Salisbury can be reached at 781-433-8322 or asalisbu@cnc.com. Dedham Transcript staff writer Edward B. Colby can be reached at 781-433-8336 or ecolby@cnc.com.
