
Miami East High School went “healthy” during the week of November 12 with activities sponsored by the Miami East FFA Chapter. This project was made possible due to a $500 grant by the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Group.
The Healthy Lifestyle Committee sponsored a Food For Thought Log in which students and staff would record all the food and drink that they partake of during a day. During study halls, students received a healthy snack for keeping their log updated. Snacks included an apple, orange or banana, a low-fat whole grain snack bar, or water and a non-fat yogurt. About half of the high school participated in this activity. A special thank you goes to the Dannon Company for their donation of yogurt.
Additionally, the high school attended a Healthy Lifestyles Fair during lunch. Displays were provided by the Upper Valley Medical Center Sports Medicine, Miami County Family Abuse Shelter, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Excellence in Dentistry, Girls on the Gun, Miami Valley Hospital, March of Dimes, Miami East Schools Nurse Jeanelle Adkins, and the Miami County Health District. One of the stations included having students and staff learned about the sugar and fat content of many of their favorite foods and drinks. A special thanks to all the vendors for their contribution to door prizes.
A Canned Food Drive for students and staff was coordinated by the FFA and Pride In M.E. For every five items donated, the students’ name was entered into a drawing to pie Guidance Counselor Matt Rutledge in-the-eye at an all-school assembly. All cans donated will be given to the Fletcher Food Pantry at the Fletcher United Methodist Church. About 250 cans were collected and $175 will be donated to the Fletcher Food Pantry. Additionally, the high school students got the chance to wear their hat to class by making a $1 donation to the Fletcher Food Pantry.
Finally, motivational speaker Mr. David Kohout spoke to the entire student body. He brought a message that all students are special and have purpose. He challenged students to make good healthy, life choices and to always keep a positive attitude. A thank you goes to Mr. Tim Williams’ principal fund helped fund the speaker’s fees.
The mission of the week was to bring awareness of the choices our students make in the selection of the foods and drinks that they choose. In the future the FFA would encourage all students and staff to make healthier choices.