Army brings physical, scholastic challenge to Texas school

By Mr. John L Thompson (USAREC)January 6, 2014

Army brings physical and scholastic challenge to Texas school
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Army brings physical and scholastic challange to Texas school
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Adrian Tucker displays a pad containing questions commonly found in standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. Students were presented a question and then had to select... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army brings physical, scholastic challenge to Texas school
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HOUSTON (Jan. 6, 2014) -- Hesitant at first, students at Bryan High School in Bryan, Texas entered a gym to take part in the iHigh Army Challenge where students engaged in basic exercises and had their knowledge tested to see how well they would do in future academic challenges.

The iHigh Army Challenge is a way for the Army to team with schools to illustrate the connection between maintaining physical fitness and pursuing education.

With Soldiers guiding them, 40 students per class period moved quickly through five exercise stations.

Between each set of exercises, students used iPads to answer multiple choice questions similar to those on the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test.

Houston Battalion recruiters gave exercise tips and talked with the students about their Army experiences and Army opportunities.

It was an eye-opener for students thinking about continuing their education and what it takes to qualify to join the Army.

Physical education instructor Jennifer Pittman said she liked the combination of the physical and mental work. For her, seeing every student participate in the challenge was impressive. She said she would welcome the return of the iHigh program and the option of having Soldiers lead students in physical training or conditioning to give them a different perspective on exercise.

Because of their age, a majority of the students in the iHigh sessions were not eligible to enlist; but each now knows Sgt. Josell Jackson, the recruiter who will be supporting Bryan High School for the next three years.

Related Links:

Houston Battalion Facebook page