Hundreds of Richard C. Hedke Elementary School students joined millions of children around the world in 15 minutes of exercise Wednesday morning to celebrate All Children Exercising Simultaneously Day (A.C.E.S.).

Dressed in t-shirts and sneakers, Hedke students marched out to the school's soccer field and whipped through a previously learned routine of running, clapping and dancing.

The smiles could be seen from Marion Street as students showed off their favorite dance moves in an effort to work up a sweat and promote good health.

Since 1984, the first Wednesday of May marks the day when children put their pencils down and get outside to exercise simultaneously as part of an effort created by the Youth Fitness Coalition, Inc.

This year marks the 14th consecutive year Michigan schools have participated in the event.

Hedke gym teacher and Trenton High School tennis coach Lynne Herman helped organize the event and spoke to children about the importance of keeping your body and mind healthy and fit.

Herman invited local heroes to participate in an assembly in the Hedke gym following the outdoor event. Trenton High School athletes, both former and current, got a chance to offer advice to the children and promote staying active.

Former Trenton High School and Michigan State University football player and current Deputy Police Chief Steve Voss attended the event along with interim Superintendent and former high school basketball coach Larry Leapley.

Trenton High School athletic director Bret Woodley brought a gang of current high school sports stars including Blake Wojtala, Mike Czarnecki, Michael Lesko, Lauren Featherston, Megan Wilson and Megan Solano.

"I came to show them that being a part of a team is really important, and staying fit is also important," Wilson said.

The Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League recently named Wojtala Most Valuable Player.

"I feel that sports are important, as well as exercise," Wojtala said.