Hunter Elementary won a Bronze Medal from the Wake County Advocates for Health in Action (AHA) in the 2011 Brains and Bodies Competition for Wake County elementary and middle schools striving to improve the health of students and staff.
The meeting was attended by Superintendent Tony Tata and several School Board Members. Laura Aiken is the director of AHA and WakeMed Community Outreach who helped lead this competition.
“We congratulate our winning schools and applaud their outstanding efforts to emphasize the connection for our students and staff between maintaining a healthy lifestyle and its positive impact on achieving a high-quality education,” said Superintendent Tony Tata.
“More than 43 percent of kids aged 5 to 11 in Wake County are overweight or obese,” Aiken continued. “Our Brains and Bodies Gold Award winners are making a tangible difference in their schools, by making free walking and running clubs available to students, opting for school fundraisers that focus on fitness rather than unhealthy foods, highlighting healthy choices that are available at school and finding ways to focus on the child for celebrations rather than just food.”
AHA created the Brains and Bodies Award to recognize schools that are meeting and exceeding local wellness policies, including the WCPSS Wellness Policy. AHA’s team of nutrition and physical activity experts scored and evaluated applications and conducted site visits at a number of schools that applied. All school applicants will receive feedback on the good work they are doing and the team’s recommendations for ongoing improvement at each school.
Additional information highlighting creative wellness initiatives at all the Brains and Bodies Award recipient schools is available on the AHA web site, www.AdvocatesForHealthInAction.org. About Advocates for Health in ActionAdvocates for Health in Action is a group of more than 50 diverse organizations and community members who are shaping the environment throughout Wake County so healthful eating and physical activity are the way of life. AHA works to achieve its mission by shaping policy and environments that ensure available and affordable access to healthful foods and physical activity for all community members.
Hunter has taked lots of strides this year to improve student health including activities like the walking club, the Healthy Hunter Challenge and Health Night. We are continuing to make strides and hope to continue making improvements to out school. Our next big step is to limit the amount of junk food brought in for classroom and birthday parties. Let's keep our children healthy and active!!!
