Highline Public Schools recognized for exemplary work creating healthy schools

March 15, 2012

Summary

Four schools recognized for promoting nutrition and physical activity

Story

The King County Board of Health recognized the Highline Public Schools today for achieving the silver award level for the national HealthierUS School Challenge. The schools being recognized are Beverly Park, Madrona, Southern Heights, and White Center Elementary.

The HealthierUS School Challenge is a voluntary federal initiative that recognizes schools that have created healthier school environments by promoting nutrition and physical activity. The challenge is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Nutrition Service.

“These schools are creating opportunities for children to defy the troubling health data we have in South King County and live better lives,” said King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, who represents cities within the Highline Public School District. “The Board of Health has statistics showing people living in South King County have worse health outcomes – higher obesity and smoking rates, and lower life expectancy – than people in the rest of the region. I congratulate these schools for using the HealthierUS School Challenge to improve their student’s lives.”

At today’s meeting of the Board of Health, the Board also passed a resolution stating its intent to recognize all King County schools as they are rewarded by the HealthierUS School Challenge in the future.

“It is our entire community’s responsibility to help address the epidemic of childhood obesity. The HealthierUS School Challenge encourages schools to help students make healthier food choices and promote more active lifestyles. These effects will last a lifetime,” said Joe McDermott who chairs the Board of Health and represents parts of the Highline School District on the King County Council.

In King County, one in five middle and high school students are overweight or obese. Children who are obese are at higher risk for being obese adults and developing chronic diseases that are the leading cause of preventable death.

The King County Board of Health encourages policy, system, and environmental changes that will help create healthy communities for all of King County residents.



Board of Health members with Chris Neal and Megan de Vries from Highline Public Schools. Highline was recognized for achieving the silver award level for the national HealthierUS School Challenge.