‘Health is a choice’
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The students were given a choice. They could write about medieval history or how to improve their school’s health program.
They chose the latter.
The seventh and eighth grade class at Orcas Christian School has entered into the “Healthy School Makeover Contest,” competing against schools from across the country. The kids first wrote about how they would use the $45,000 grand prize money and then created a video for the online contest.
“The subject of health is something that our society is going through right now,” said eighth grader Stephanie Harris.
Added seventh grader Aliza Diepenbrock: “It’s important for us to be aware of health at this age.”
For the video, the class went to Orcas Spa and Athletics, where they lifted weights, rode stationary bikes and did push-ups and sit-ups. They also presented statistics about diabetes and heart disease related to obesity. Their message: “Health is a choice and it has to begin with me.”
If they win, the students outlined four areas of improvement to the school’s programs: offering healthy breakfast options and maintaining the hot lunch service; participating in classes at the health club like spinning, weight lifting and swimming; purchasing exercise equipment for the school; and sponsoring a 5K run/walk for the community.
The finalists will be chosen by online voters now through Nov. 14. Go to http://goo.gl/SXN2r to cast a vote for the OCS video.
Entries that make it through to the next round will be reviewed by a panel of judges affiliated with Spark, a physical education organization that is sponsoring the contest. The grand prize winner will be announced on Dec. 10.
Regardless of the outcome, the OCS students will continue their physical fitness pursuits. Many of the kids play sports like basketball, volleyball and softball, ride bikes or go horseback riding.
“I run around Cascade Lake every Sunday with my dad,” said eighth grader Skyler Gregg.
