By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
As the school year ended, so did the fifth year of the Play Hard, Live Clean (PHLC) campaign for Garrett County school students. The campaign is designed to subtly and consistently remind students across the grade levels that a healthy lifestyle takes practice and repetition.
“Our idea is that students will hear about the PHLC campaign year after year in their classrooms, along with the health lessons that are already being taught,” said Kendra McLaughlin, director of Health Education and Outreach at the Health Department. “We hope maybe one day they will embrace some of the habits they have learned and practiced.”
Each elementary school participated in the challenges, with Accident Elementary School having the highest participation with 99% of the students completing the challenges. The three challenges this year were healthy eating, mindfulness, and physical activity.
Several other elementary schools were not far behind in their participation level, with Route 40 at 97% and Friendsville at 95%. The other schools followed with Swan Meadow 87%, Grantsville 75%, Crellin 61%, Yough Glades 51%, and Broadford 26%.
The middle schools participated in four challenges this year, including healthy eating, kindness, drinking water, and physical activity.
Southern Middle School led the way with 77% of students participating for the year, while Northern Middle School had 40% of students participate.
The high school PHLC campaign is all done online, with students participating in monthly activities throughout the year to be eligible for prizes. The culmination of the high school campaign is the awarding of two PHLC scholarships at the end of each school year. Scholarships winners are chosen by a random drawing, one for a Northern High School senior, and one for a Southern High School senior. The number of chances a student has in the drawing depends on how many points they earn for participating through the years. Applicants for the scholarship must agree to a review of their social media for evidence of a drug and tobacco-free lifestyle.
This year’s scholarship winners are Ava Rankin from NHS and Kendall Sharpless from SHS. Each one received $500 to go toward college, trade school, or expenses related to work such as uniforms.
For more information about PHLC visit the PlayHardLiveClean.com website or call the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
Cutline: One PHLC Scholarship Recipient is chosen from each of the county high schools each year. This year’s winners are Ava Rankin (left) from NHS and Kendall Sharpless from SHS. Each one received $500 to go toward college, trade school, or work expenses.
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Read More, and view the original press release at Garrett County Health Department.