From Your Health Journal…..”What a heart warming story from Online Athens by Allie Jackson called Students Hike To Raise Awareness On Obesity, World Hunger. I love stories where a community comes together to help a cause, this time, obesity and hunger. Even better, many children participated in this event, which not only teaches them about giving, but also educates them on matters related to good health. I encourage you all to go to the Online Athens site (link provided below) to read the complete article. You will see some great quotes from some mature and responsible children.”

From the article…..

Teen leaders from W.R. Coile Middle School, motivated by a grant from United Health Care, took to the woods Saturday for a hike party to combat childhood obesity and bring awareness to the importance of service.

About three dozen adults, children and teachers joined the students at Sandy Creek Nature Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Activities included a meet and greet, a time of reflection to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a tour of the center, several outdoor games, a hike and a party with refreshments.

“We are trying to help with childhood obesity and childhood hunger,” said student and member of Coile Serves Fatima Mendoza, 13. “We are going to go on a hike, play some games and then we are going to have some snacks.”

Mendoza and several other members of Coile Serves were involved in setting up the event and organizing the activities for the day.

“My students developed the budget and itineraries,” said teacher and leader of the group Kelli Bivins. “There will be two hikes, this one and one in April. Both hikes take place on the Cook’s Trail and culminate in a family/community celebration.”

Maria Moralez, 14, has been a part of Coile Serves for at least two years.

“We are hoping to bring awareness (to the community) about how to fight against childhood obesity … through being active,” Moralez said. “There should be a lot of people from the community here today and several UGA students.”

W.R. Coile Assistant Principal Brad Bowling joined the students in all the activities of the day.

To read the full article…..Click here