At Horizon Elementary School, 24 teachers, staff and administrators are competing in their hometown version of the television series, “The Biggest Loser.”

Each contestant has pitched in $20 to a winner’s pot, which will go to the person with the highest weight loss percentage when the contest ends on March 22.

Amy C. Williams started the contest as “a little extra motivation (for) the new year. Why not see if others wanted to participate in a friendly weight loss competition?” Williams and Hannah Alderson, both teachers of the deaf, are coordinating the Biggest Loser.

Principal Rodney Richardson joined the challenge, mainly to support the staff. “He thought it was a great idea,” Williams said.

Getting healthy is Horizon’s main motivation, “whether that means losing weight, eating better foods or adding exercise.” Each individual has personal goals, she said.

In addition, the contest directly correlates to Horizon’s seven-step “The Leader in Me” program. “Habit 7 is ‘Sharpen the Saw’ (to take) care of one’s body by caring for your physical, social and emotional well being. What better way to start the New Year and tie it all together? It’s the perfect connection, ” Williams said.

Alderson is following a low-calorie diet to lose 15 pounds. “I have begun training for Nashville’s St. Jude Half Marathon in April. I also enjoy group exercise classes, like body pump and pure barre,” Alderson said.

For sixth-grade teacher Lynn Ray, her contest goal is 30 pounds. “I have an overall goal of 70 pounds. I’m eating smaller portions, making healthier choices and added exercise since I love sports. My main motivation is to feel better about myself and be around for my wonderful son,” Ray said.

Nutritious choices in Horizon’s cafeteria, like a salad bar and fresh fruit, are helping dieters.

Weekly prizes from a few local businesses are incentives to the ‘losers.’ Pure Barre of Madison has donated five classes and workout gear. Goga of Madison has given a month’s free membership. Hogan Family YMCA has donated three, one-month memberships to participants with the ‘biggest loss’ on certain weeks.