If a $10,000 grant request is approved by the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, Kosciusko Middle and Upper Elementary schools will engage in the foundation’s Healthy Heroes campaign.
The program would bring new fitness equipment to the schools along with healthy lifestyle curriculum and training visits from local police and firemen.
Middle Elementary Principal Chris Terry put together his school wish list should the grant be approved.
“The program will promote overall personal health and also allow our officers and firemen to visit our schools and interact with our students to develop a positive relationship,” he said. On his wish list is exercise equipment, agility equipment and curriculum that focuses on food choices, portion control and healthy snacks.
In addition to the grant funds, the program trains the firemen and police officers who will be working with the children. According to Terry, the plan is to have one 30-minute session per class per month at each of the schools.
While the children will benefit from learning healthier habits, the police and fire departments will benefit, too.
“The kids will see them (police and firemen) in a different light. It’ll pay dividends down the road because these kids will now have these relationships with the firemen and police officers in the community,” said Terry. “And the police officers will benefit because they will have that rapport with the students, and maybe even the parents.”
Terry said the children may even wind up helping their families live healthier lifestyles.
“It’s a hope that the healthy lifestyle choices taught will carry over into their families,” he said.
