A group of teachers at UC High have been participating in a Biggest Loser competition to lose weight and become healthier. The teacher who loses the largest percentage of weight by Spring Break wins a grand prize pool of $305.

According to AP Government Teacher Michele Fournier, the competition started about four weeks ago when ASB Advisor and AP English Language Teacher Donna Fallon came up with the idea. Last year, Mira Mesa High School, where Fallon’s husband was the vice principal at the time, had a similar competition which was very successful. Subsequently, she started the Biggest Loser completion here at UC.

A total of 11 faculty members are participating, including: Fallon, Fournier, Counselors Clayton Ballard and Teem Osborn, Theatre Teacher Belinda Brown, Provost Brian Compagnone, Math Teacher Sally Levens, English Teachers Richard Norton and Paula Peretta, and AP World History Teacher Jonathan Schiller.

Each Friday, the participants go to Fournier’s classroom to weigh in. All of the weights are entered onto corporatefitnessleague.com, where progress is kept. There are no guidelines to be followed regarding how to lose weight. The teachers can use Weight Watchers, eat right, and/or exercise.

One teacher who is serious about this competition is Norton, who started his own walking club during his prep period. Sometimes joined by English Teacher Aaron Pores and Psychology Teacher Lauriann Stanley, they walk together on the upper field.

Meanwhile, others haven’t been as dedicated as Norton. “The funny thing is, some teachers have actually gained weight since we began,” said Fournier.

As of March 1, Norton is the overall leader with about 3 percent of his total weight loss. He is closely followed by Fournier and Brown.

Despite his position as the front runner, Norton remains humble. He said, “I think it’s a good thing that teachers are supporting each other to become healthy. It doesn’t matter who wins as long as we all lose weight.”