FROM STAFF REPORTS

HOOVER – Seven schools across Hoover City Schools, including three located in Shelby County, have been named to the 2018 list of America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, receiving national recognition for their commitment to students’ health and well-being.

Though other Hoover City Schools have secured Alliance distinction in the past, this year’s honorees include: Greystone Elementary School, Rocky Ridge Elementary School, Spain Park High School, Bluff Park Elementary School, Deer Valley Elementary School, Harriette Gwin Elementary School and Riverchase Elementary School.

These Hoover City Schools join a total of 461 schools nationwide which were selected based on a rigorous set of criteria—from the availability of nutritious foods to access to quality physical education opportunities—as part of Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program. The seven HCS schools collectively serve thousands of students each day.  They comprise part of the 14 total schools across Hoover City Schools to have received some form of Alliance recognition since 2010.  They join only a handful of other Alabama schools to make this year’s list.

“Our entire community—parents, teachers, students and staff—has united around the importance of creating a healthy school,” said Melinda Bonner, Director of Hoover City Schools’ Child Nutrition Program (CNP).  “We’re honored to receive this recognition from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and remain committed to advancing our school health improvement efforts over the coming years.”

“Receiving this national recognition exemplifies the teamwork and collaboration involved in promoting a healthy school environment,” said Tricia Neura, Assistant CNP Director.  “Hoover City Schools has earned a total of thirty-four national Healthy Schools Awards in the past eight years. I believe our district has earned more awards than any other district in Alabama.

All of America’s Healthiest Schools have earned National Healthy Schools Awards, a prestigious achievement that celebrates schools that meet or exceed expert-recommended standards set by Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program for serving healthy meals and snacks, getting students moving more throughout the day, offering high-quality health and physical education and empowering school leaders to be healthy role models.

“The Healthy Schools Programs has served over 42,000 schools. Each one recognizes the academic, social and behavioral benefits of prioritizing student health,” said Brian Weaver, Chief Program Officer at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “We’re proud to recognize the exceptional efforts of Hoover City Schools for serving as a best-in-class example of what it means to create healthier environments for both students and staff.”

All Alabama schools to have earned Alliance recognition will be honored at the ASAHPERD Fall Conference being held at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover Nov. 4-6.

Any school can join Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program at no-cost to access trainings, resources and technical assistance by visiting schools.healthiergeneration.org.

To view the complete list of America’s Healthiest Schools, visit HealthiestSchools.org.