Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill with Madison Middle School students on Halloween. Photo courtesy of Rett Nelson/East Idaho News

Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill looked like he’d had a rough day on Halloween. His clothes were tattered and describing his appearance as disheveled would have been a compliment. 

But Merrill was all smiles. His costume, complete with face makeup, was a huge hit at the Madison Middle School zombie walk. Soon, his efforts in the Mayor’s Walking Challenge will bring smiles to the students and staff the middle school for years to come. 

The Mayor’s Walking Challenge is a Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health program that gives mayors the opportunity to get active and earn funds for their community – all while setting a great example by being physically active. 

Merrill decided he would donate his earnings in 2024 to Madison Middle School. The school will use the funds to replace many of the scooters used in physical education classes. Debbie Miles, the school’s physical education teacher, also has said she’s like to rent equipment to teach students how to cross country ski, which can be a lifelong skill that can help improve physical health. 

Merrill has participated in the Mayor’s Walking Challenge since 2017. He’s always hit the 10,000 step per day goal, meaning he’s earned $8,000 for the city to use for programs or projects that encourage people to be active. 

Merrill used his earnings in earlier challenges for park projects. Smith Park recently had an inclusive piece of playground equipment installed so people with disabilities can enjoy the park, too. 

“It’s just good to be able to take that money and be able to use it for things that are beneficial to the community,” Merrill told the Rexburg Standard Journal. “Especially with the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health’s emphasis on encouraging our citizens to be healthier. I’m hopeful that by getting the word out and publicizing it a little bit that people will think ‘Oh, I should do that, I should walk more or do more exercises.’” 

Miles, the PE teacher, said the mayor is a positive role model. 

“His example is great for our kids and for the community,” she told East Idaho News.