Staff Report
MARION, S.C. – Creek Bridge STEM Academy won a $3,000 grand prize for its participation in Marion County School District schools and their health promotion efforts last month as part of “Healthy Me – Healthy SC,” a partnership between Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina.
Six Marion County schools received the health awards for their participation in the MUSC Boeing Children’s Health Center’s School-Based Health Initiative, according to officials. Since 2010, BCCW has helped schools create healthy learning environments through its participation in statewide school-based health initiatives.
The initiative works with schools to provide direct support and create a culture of health.
K-12 schools and districts can develop evidence-based policies, systems, and
Environmental strategies aimed at improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and enhancing social-emotional wellbeing for both students and staff.
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Participating schools that meet the minimum requirements will receive a wellness award to help expand and sustain their wellness efforts. A total of $8,000 was awarded to Marion County schools for the 2023-24 school year. Easterling Elementary School, Marion Middle School, McCormick Elementary School, North Mullins Elementary School and Academy of Early Learning each received a $1,000 award.
Dr. Candace Beshear, superintendent of the Marion County School District, expressed enthusiasm for the program’s impact.
“We are pleased that our school is continuing its wellness initiative and hope that more schools will join in,” she said. “We know that good physical health leads to good mental health and overall wellness, and when students are healthy, they can learn.”
Janice D. Key, founder and director of MUSC BCCW, has long been interested in promoting health to prevent obesity.
“With the support of the local community and the work of our partner schools,
“Our vision is a South Carolina where all children are healthy, succeed in school and thrive in life,” she said.
For more information, visit musckids.org/boeingcenter or email boeingcenter@musc.edu.
