Student-organized event gets kids moving

Pennsylvania College of Technology physical therapist assistant students recently provided an activity-filled morning to 70 elementary school children in the college’s Field House.

Seeking a service-learning project, students invited special education classes from Jersey Shore Area, Loyalsock Township, South Williamsport Area and Williamsport Area school districts to a jungle-themed event, dubbed “Wildcat Kids in Motion,” complete with sports, dance, crafting and games.

“As physical therapist assistants, if we are in pediatrics, we work with children to strengthen muscles and increase their aerobic activities,” explained Ashley N. Rich, a student from Mill Hall. “The goal was to bring the kids in and give them fine-motor activities, gross-motor activities and aerobic activities.”

Fine-motor skills were enhanced with play dough activities, coloring, and games of Uno and Jenga. Archery, bowling and ring toss helped the children with balance and coordination, and a dance station (which proved a fan favorite) promoted aerobic endurance. Students tailored the activities to the unique needs of each child.

“The experience was rewarding because we got to let the children work within their limits and do fun things they may have thought they weren’t able to do,” said Sierra E. Biza, of Wyalusing.

The 12 student organizers, all planning to graduate in August 2025, developed a proposal for the event in Spring 2024 and began coordinating the many moving pieces in August, reaching out to school districts and coordinating with several on-campus offices.

Each student created a unique station that aligned with the jungle theme and targeted a specific gross or fine motor skill.

“It was a good look at what my career is heading toward,” said Carla Mertz, a student from Pennsburg. “Seeing the kids work on fine motor skills and gross motor skills that I would do with them in a clinic setting was really rewarding.”

Feedback from the participants and their aides immediately following the event was “incredibly positive,” said Victoria Hurwitz, director of the college’s physical therapist assistant program. “The aides expressed gratitude to the students for providing this free event. They praised them for ensuring that all participants felt included and valued and, importantly, for making it fun!”

“Our students were clearly excited about the event and working with the children,” said Wendy A. Miller, assistant dean of health sciences. “It was great to see them experience the fulfillment that comes from applying everything they’ve learned and having a meaningful impact on others.”

Service-learning is a pillar of the Penn College physical therapist assistant program’s curriculum, with course objectives related to the project threaded through the two-year major.

“Coordination and completion of this project aligns with the mission of the program, which is to prepare graduates to be compassionate and caring PTAs who are advocates for the physical therapy profession and committed to social responsibility,” Hurwitz said.

The activity was recently recognized with a 2024-25 Penn College Student Leadership and Involvement Award for Outstanding Community Service Project.

“Wildcat Kids in Motion signifies the transformative power of physical therapy through the promotion of wellness and movement,” Hurwitz said. “This group of PTA students set a remarkable example of how a service project can make an impact on someone’s life, and I’m sure both the students and the children will remember this day for a long time.”

To learn more about the physical therapist assistant program at Penn College, which can be continued to a bachelor’s degree in healthcare leadership & administration, call 570-327-4519.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.