Promotes fitness, healthy lifestyles

Dawson-Bryant and Fairland West Elementary Schools were recently awarded $500 grants by McDonald’s of the Tri-State through the Balanced, Active Lifestyles Grant Program. The schools are two of 25 in the Tri-State chosen as recipients of the grant.

The goal of the program is to encourage teachers to create educational programs that demonstrate an original approach to enhancing their students’ physical fitness, nutrition awareness and health education.

The winning program at Dawson-Bryant Elemtary is titled “You Are What You Eat,” led by Charles Kitchen. The six-week program will provide students with transportation to the Marshall University Rec Center so that students can participate in activities such as rock climbing and swimming.

T-shirts will also be provided to participating students.

The winning program at Fairland West is “Fun Fitness Friday,” led by Nurse Melissa Buchanan. The program allows students, staff and parents to get involved with various fitness stations, including jump roping, tug-of-war and aerobics in a one-day event every nine weeks.

The $500 grants must be used toward implementation of the winning programs.

Steve Cielec, a local McDonald’s owner and operator, recently presented the grant checks and awards to both schools.

McDonald’s of the Tri-State Area owners/operators awarded a total of $12,500 in Balanced, Active Lifestyle Grants this year to educational programs in southeastern Ohio, eastern Kentucky and central and southern West Virginia.

McDonald’s of the Tri-State Area is comprised of 93 restaurants in southeastern Ohio, eastern Kentucky and central and southern West Virginia, with 99 percent of the restaurants independently owned and operated by local franchisees.