Healthy Schools award presented in Quincy

Three people recognized

QUINCY - The Quincy School District recognized three people Tuesday for their involvement in the Healthy Schools Leadership Project.

The school received the Healthy Schools Leadership Award.

Director of Student Achievement Carole Carlton recognized Quincy Junior High School physical education teacher Teresa Goninan, Quincy High School physical education teacher Kelly Wallace and Communities That Care grant program coordinator Ray Horodowicz.

Carlton said the project is an extension of national and state projects examining how coordinated health in schools might impact education and health.

"Threats to student success that were identified included physical inactivity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, sexual risk taking, alcohol and other drug use, and injury and violence," Carlton said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed a model for coordinated school health, she said. Eight components were included, ranging from nutrition and physical education, to counseling and community involvement, she said.

"Each component makes an important contribution to students' well being and readiness to learn," Carlton said.

Carlton said Goninan, Wallace, Horodowicz and herself spent the past three years involved with the project.

"Without their enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to developing 'the whole child,' Quincy School District may have not begun the important work of coordinating efforts throughout the district … for raising students' academic achievement," she said.

"The Quincy School District would like to commend them for their past efforts and continue to support them as we work together to promote healthier schools."