The West Virginia Healthy Habits School Contest aims to recognize and celebrate elementary schools across the state that are leading efforts to improve health outcomes for students and communities. The contest is a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Health, Department of Education, and AETNA Better Health of West Virginia.
Department of Health Secretary Sherri Young joined Gov. Jim Justice during his regular briefing Tuesday to announce the initiative. She said many of the state’s schools are already implementing health improvement procedures and initiatives.
“What we want to do with this program is to highlight those and encourage additional schools to make these strides and empower our youngest West Virginians to be healthy, making decades worth of impact,” Young said. “The first prize winner will receive $2,500 the second place winner will get $1000 and the third place winner will get $500.”
The prize money is intended to go to further support health initiatives within the winning schools, such as purchasing sports equipment or enhancing playground facilities.
The contest will officially kick off at the start of school this year and the deadline to apply is Nov. 5.
Participating schools can submit a two-minute video showcasing their creative initiatives to enhance health within their school or community, and a written summary of the school’s efforts may accompany the entry. Judging criteria will focus on creativity alongside the school’s commitment to promoting wellness.