Dream Big Grants in Action: Move, Play, Think! – VERTI-GO!
The Verti-GO Quincy Initiative at The Academy
By: Katie Rodemich ’02
In the fall of 2024, The Academy was awarded an $8,000 grant from the Quincy Public Schools Foundation to launch Move, Play, Think! —a dynamic new program created in partnership with Verti-Go Quincy. The athletic performance facility, founded by QHS alum Tony Douglas ’01 and his father Jerry Douglas ‘70, blends physical training with mentorship to support student development. At The Academy, a school within the Quincy Public Schools system, movement isn’t just about fitness—it’s a tool for building confidence, focus, and lifelong skills.
Since opening in 2021 as an extension of their Des Moines facility, Verti-Go Quincy has helped athletes of all levels enhance speed, agility, and reaction times through specialized training. By integrating cutting-edge technology with expert coaching, the facility cultivates balance, explosiveness, and overall athleticism.
This innovative program—Move, Play, Think! —is set to redefine movement, enrich learning, and engage students in new and dynamic ways.
With one-third of the student body participating, the initiative is more than just a new curriculum addition—it’s a lifeline for students who haven’t had access to structured physical activity. It cultivates physical strength, cognitive sharpness, and social connection while addressing the unique challenges students at The Academy face.
Unlike conventional high schools, The Academy is a Regional Safe School Program (RSSP) in Quincy, Illinois, serving students in grades 7 through 12 from Quincy, Mendon, Liberty, Payson, and Camp Point. It provides an alternative educational setting tailored to students who need additional academic and behavioral support.
With a block schedule and a blend of teacher-led and online instruction through Edgenuity, The Academy helps students recover credits and stay on track for graduation. Beyond academics, it emphasizes social-emotional learning (SEL) to equip students with the skills, confidence, and structure needed for long-term success.
The partnership between The Academy and Verti-GO Quincy has transformed the school’s approach to physical education.
“The collaboration with Verti-GO Quincy enhances both the Edgenuity Physical Education curriculum and our social-emotional neuroscience lessons,” said Marcey Wells, Director of ABC Academy.
Since The Academy does not have a gym or space for students to engage in physical exercise, Move, Play, Think! provides essential resources, including: Access to a gym facility, where students participate in structured physical activities. A curriculum that aligns with academic learning goals, emphasizing movement as a tool for cognitive and emotional growth. Research-backed strategies demonstrating how exercise enhances brain function, emotional regulation, and behavior. A relational learning environment that cultivates lifelong skills, reinforces education’s importance, and teaches decision-making and trust—key elements for success in school and life.
This partnership ensures that students not only move but also understand how movement boosts both academic and personal success.
One of the most exciting aspects of Move, Play, Think! is its integration of technology into physical education, making workouts more engaging, interactive, and data-driven.
“Students are already familiar with a variety of technological tools from home and school, so they quickly adapted to the technology we use at Verti-GO Quincy,” Wells explained.
A key feature of the program is its leaderboard system, which tracks student performance in real time. The technology provides immediate feedback, allowing students to monitor progress, set goals, and push themselves to improve. Students can track their personal records over time and measure progress in speed, reaction time, and agility, cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement.
“The leaderboard shows student scores, creating a sense of healthy competition and motivation,” Wells added. “It’s exciting to see how this drives students to challenge themselves while also cheering on their peers.”
By gamifying physical activity, the program keeps students engaged, encourages perseverance, and fosters a growth mindset—reinforcing the connection between movement and learning.
Move, Play, Think! extends beyond traditional physical education by promoting community integration, inclusivity, and personal growth through: Community Partnerships – By collaborating with local businesses, fitness centers, and community leaders, the program extends learning beyond the classroom. Inclusive Physical Activity – Unlike conventional sports programs that cater to athletes, this model ensures all students—regardless of skill level—have access to engaging activities that encourage movement and success. Brain-Body Connection – Research confirms that exercise enhances cognitive function, emotional regulation, and focus. The Power of Recognition – The Verti-GO Club, a monthly celebration of student progress, has become one of the most impactful aspects of the program.
Jerry Douglas has witnessed firsthand how this program is changing student attitudes.
“The kids are doing great. They come in, work hard, and have fun. There’s no bickering, arguing, or resistance—you know, that ‘I don’t want to do this’ attitude. Instead, they’re engaged, putting in the effort, and even building stronger relationships. My hope is that this program has a lasting impact—not just in the gym, but in school and life as well. That’s the ultimate goal.”
To reinforce motivation and confidence, The Academy launched The Verti-GO Club, a monthly recognition program celebrating student achievement. Each month, two students are recognized—one for athletic performance and another for academic improvement. The impact has been profound.
“For many of these kids, this is the first time they’ve ever received an award,” said Jerry. “And that sense of achievement can be life changing.”
One student, upon receiving his certificate, couldn’t wait to show it to his grandmother. “She’s going to take me outside, take pictures, and show it to the whole neighborhood,” he said with pride.
By emphasizing community support, inclusivity, neuroscience-driven movement, and personal achievement, this model offers a scalable, transformative approach to student wellness and engagement.
While Move, Play, Think! has already made a significant impact, The Academy is committed to expanding and sustaining the program. One key initiative under consideration is the development of an onsite regulation room, where students would have regular access to movement-based activities throughout the school day.
“Ideally, we would incorporate similar activities into our daily schedule, allowing students to increase their access to an educational environment that supports both their academic and emotional needs,” Wells explained.
By integrating movement into every aspect of student life, The Academy hopes to create a culture of wellness and engagement, ensuring that students continue to benefit from physical activity, brain-body connection, and social-emotional growth for years to come.
Investing in programs like Move, Play, Think! means investing in Quincy’s students—ensuring every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.
Quincy Public Schools Foundation Spring Grant applications are open until April 15. Interested applicants can submit proposals through the QPSF website. For questions or assistance, please contact the QPSF office.
By supporting innovation, creativity, and growth in our schools, we can make a meaningful difference in our QPS classrooms- Let’s Dream Big!
