Wellness grants for student-led health projects
Two Arlington ISD high schools scored big in the name of student wellness last month!
Thanks to the Wellness Innovation Grant competition – sponsored by Texas Health Resources and the R4 Foundation – Lamar High School and Martin High School each were awarded $5,000 to bring their student-led health projects to life. The annual competition challenges students to come up with creative ways to improve well-being on their campuses.
“Every year, students blow us away with their passion,” said R4 Foundation president Bret Helmer. “They take this competition seriously, and it’s wonderful to know we are helping them make a positive impact for all of the students who follow them.”
Lamar students are getting real about mental health. With their grant, they’re launching a full-on Mental Health Week, complete with a family night, posters and T-shirts to spread awareness and support across campus.
Over at Martin, students are turning an unused outdoor courtyard into a creative, chill hangout zone. Think yoga, art, reading, herb gardens and comfy seating – a perfect spot to unwind or collaborate.
“A transformation of our cement courtyard was definitely something that was a long time in coming,” said Martin principal Marlene Roddy. “It has been used for dinner theatre and for yoga classes in the past, but because Texas weather is not always predictable, changing it into a workable place for students to gather and enjoy will be wonderful. We are excited that so many of our students will be able to take advantage of this updated and productive environment.”
The grant program is all about empowering students to lead the way in building healthier schools and that’s exactly what Martin and Lamar’s projects aim to do.
“Get kids making healthy choices early, and you’re setting them up for life,” said Texas Health vice president Matt Dufrene. “We look forward to seeing these ideas come to life on area campuses, knowing that the impact of these students’ efforts will be felt for years to come.”