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Plainview Intermediate students win $3,000 Strong Teens Healthy Schools award for refillable water stations
Summary
Plainview Intermediate fifth-graders received a $3,000 award from the Strong Teens Healthy Schools program after a yearlong curriculum on physical activity, nutrition and civic engagement; students presented the proposal to the board and described program activities including an 832-mile Walk Across Texas challenge and a staff wellness series.
Plainview Intermediate students and staff presented a Strong Teens Healthy Schools program report at the May 15 board meeting and announced a student-led proposal had earned a $3,000 award to improve the school environment.
Dr. Shontay Clausen, county extension agent for Family and Community Health, told trustees the yearlong program taught fifth-graders about cardiovascular disease prevention, nutrition and civic engagement. The participating students designed a proposal to add refillable water stations in hallways; the grant award of $3,000 will fund the proposed improvements.
Four students described their experiences to the board. Carter Jackson said his favorite activity was a community leader "bingo" that encouraged students to meet local leaders; he told trustees the exercise taught students that partnering with decision-makers "helps them hear a student's voice and turn healthy school ideas like more water stations and fresh food options into real reality." Parker Williams said learning to read nutrition labels changed what he packs for school and sports. Josiah Hipolito said he helped design the $3,000 project and learned "how civic engagement works when students collect data and present solutions." Noah Monria described an eight-week Walk Across Texas challenge in which students converted daily steps into a friendly competition and said helearned that "just 60 minutes of activity a day can lower our risk of heart disease and boost our mood."
Program staff added several supplemental activities: a family component for the Walk Across Texas challenge that drew more than 40 parents to events; a staff wellness series called "Better Your Days the Mediterranean Way" during which participating faculty and staff collectively lost 139 pounds; and cardio drumming and run-club events. District staff recognized coach Cornette for supporting PE classes and helping log run-club miles.
Dr. Clausen thanked Dr. Sanchez and Principal Alcazar for allowing the program on campus and said the grant and student advocacy element demonstrated how students can propose practical environmental changes for their schools. Students presented a banner to Principal Alcazar and coach Cornette for display at the school.
The board did not take a vote on this item; staff and students presented the program summary and award details during recognitions and superintendent support.
