Catching Up With Justin Drago

If you’ve ever sat in the drop-off line for , you’ve seen Justin Drago. The physical education and health teacher is a fixture in the process, moving cars along while getting kids safely into school; rain, snow or shine.

"Somehow I’m the chosen one!" he laughed. "I’m out there to give a nice hello and a friendly wave."

You may have also spotted his happy grin popping out from the Funky Foot costume on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The award-winning exercise program developed by Drago, Karen Carlson and Kathy Wagar encourages healthy living. Students arrive early at school for a few laps around the track.

Drago motivates and inspires his students by wearing the large cardboard costume.

"It’s hot in there," he said. "I used to have scabs on my ankles from where it hit me while I was walking."

Recently, McAlister parent Deb Pieleka created a new, softer version of the costume, which Drago said is "much more comfortable."

Drago, grew up in Granby and attended Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts. He's worked in the Suffield schools for six years.

"It’s a great time," he said of his job. "I’m teaching life skills and how to be healthy individuals. It’s important for overall character."

Drago will marry his fiancé and fellow teacher Emily in June, after school is out. They recently purchased their first home in East Granby and finished work on their masters’ degrees. With a new house and completed education, Drago is hoping for an easy summer.

"I’ll be just relaxing and doing things around the house," he said.

Drago is an active and enthusiastic individual. In addition to his duties at McAlister, he coaches the Suffield High School girl's junior varsity soccer team. He enjoys playing soccer and baseball but is taking it easy this spring with lawn games like bocce ball.

"I’m trying not to hurt myself for the wedding," he said with a laugh.

With what little spare time he has, Drago plays guitar and writes songs.

In the meantime, he’ll finish up the school year focused on his students and the Funky Foot program.

"They all come in and want to play – they definitely need the time to burn that energy," he said. "We’re not just doing games but doing skills for life… It’s a reason kids don’t play games sometimes. They are embarrassed if they don’t know the rules or how to play games."

Luckily, McAlister students have a friend in Mr. Drago. A man not embarrassed to put on the Funky Foot, smile and wave.