Gov. Phil Scott was joined by the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils on Thursday to celebrate the opening of a new fitness center at Missisquoi Union Valley Middle School. The center is part of the foundation’s DON’T QUIT campaign — an effort to promote fitness in elementary and middle schools around the country. Vermont was selected as one of four states where three schools received a $100,000 donation toward the new fitness center. Essex Middle School and Milton Middle School were also winners. The campaign was started by Jake Steinfeld, chair of the foundation. Steinfeld said as a child, he struggled with self-image and a stutter, and his fitness journey helped him to build his confidence. “One day, dad bought me a set of weights when I was 13 years old,” Steinfeld said. “Those weights changed my life because not only did those weights build my body, but they built my confidence and self-esteem.”Steinfeld said he started the campaign to help students around the country do the same. The school opened the center up for students for the first time on Thursday. Students at Missisquoi Union Valley Middle School said they are excited and grateful for the upgrade. “They literally went through the roof,” said Dan Palmer, co-principal at Missisquoi Union Valley Middle School. “The students were super excited. When we had our sit-down meeting with Jake Steinfeld, they were super excited, like jumping out of their seats. The enthusiasm was just fantastic.” The gym will be used during students’ PE classes, as well as during after-school clubs and sports. It will eventually open to members of the community as well.