High school staff wants to be called losers

There is a question circulating among staff members at Grayslake Central High School.

Who will be the biggest loser?

The question was posed and 76 staff members decided to begin the 13-week quest last October. Their group goal is to lose 700 pounds.

The contest was created through a discussion among staff, including Steve Reitman, Dru Hay, Abbey Tadelman and Jeanna Beerbower. Reitman then approached school nurse Amy Johnson about running a contest similar to the Biggest Loser television show.

"I wanted to help keep them motivated and to motivate myself to stay healthy," Tadelman said why she joined.

When word spread to join the contest, 76 staff paid $10 each to enter. Competitors include teachers, cafeteria workers, secretaries and administrators including Assistant Principal Dan Landry.

"It is hard to lose weight. It's easier to do it with a large group," Landry said adding. "I love seeing staff get involved, especially making changes to their lives for the positive."

Competitors were paired up, and each set a personal goal as to how much weight they hope to lose.

Each Wednesday, team members come into Johnson's office to be weighed, and posters are displayed in her office to chart teams' progress.

The contest is creating a positive environment where staff get together before school to play basketball, play Wii Fit in Johnson's office and offer support during good and bad days.

"There have been many discussions in the hall and break time. It has kept everyone on track and helped us to make good decisions," Tadelman said.

Reitman said they also find support from the students, including the girls basketball team that he coaches.

"They know this is good for me and are encouraging me to do things healthy for me," he said.

While there is camaraderie, there also is friendly sabotage. But no one has caved in to the temptation.

"A creative person gave me a Lou Malnati's napkin written on it, 'I miss you. Call me,'" Reitman said. "I have not figured it out yet who sent it."

When the contest ends Jan. 21, the winning team who shows the largest combined percentage weight loss will receive half the entry fees and select a school club to receive the second half of the winnings.

Along with the final prize, Johnson has planned weekly prizes. The first week, the top 10 people who lost weight earned pedometers. Another week, the top male and female losers earned $25 cash.

"These are random things to give everyone an opportunity to win something, keep people motivated," Johnson said.

As far as winning it all, Reitman is unsure if he and teammate Nicholas Goshen will win among some motivated competitors.

"If I pick up my pace, we'll have a chance to win it," he said.

While the contest runs three months, they recognize the changes they have made will continue well after it is over.

"Everybody will feel good they accomplished something and made a change that will be a part of their lives," Reitman said.