We congratulate Marion Intermediate School and Easterling Primary School, both in Marion School District One, on receiving the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Program Bronze level National Recognition Award. These are the first two schools in South Carolina to achieve national recognition in the program. The Healthy Schools Program National Recognition Award is an honor given nationally to showcase and acknowledge schools that have implemented changes in order to create healthier school environments. To earn an award, schools must meet best practice criteria established by the Healthy Schools Program Expert Panel and outlined in the Healthy Schools Program Framework. Developing a healthy school environment takes time and persistence. As such, the Healthy Schools Program's award is granted at four levels of achievement: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The National Recognition Award application process is a comprehensive, collaborative endeavor in which the school and the Alliance work together to take a deeper look at progress achieved toward meeting best practice criteria. As a recipient of the Alliance Healthy Schools Program National Recognition Award, these schools have reached an important benchmark in improving the learning and working environments of students and staff. By making significant changes in the areas of healthy eating, physical activity and staff wellness, Easterling and Marion Intermediate are making great strides in combating childhood obesity and fostering healthier communities. Principal Angie Grice of Easterling and school nurse Karen Scruggs of Marion Intermediate represented their award-winning schools at the Healthy Schools Program Forum in New York City on June 15.

Click here to check out Marion Intermediate School's Health Zone!