Success Stories
Garrett Keyser Butler Schools (2023-2024)
The Indiana Department of Health’s Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA) offered funding through a one-year Youth Adolescent Physical Activity (YAPA) grant. This grant focused on providing physical activity and physical education opportunities for youth and adolescents, 6-17 years of age (K-12) in the classroom, school, and before or after school program settings in Indiana.
In the 2023-2024 cycle, DNPA awarded seven statewide schools and organizations this grant. Garrett Keyser-Butler Community School District (GKB) located in Garrett, with a population fewer than 7,000, was one of these awardees. Garrett Keyser-Butler Community School District used the funding to provide the Girls on the Run program that consisted of lessons led by a coach each day. Seventeen girls in the elementary and middle schools participated.
The program also included a physical activity portion after the classroom lesson. At the end of the program, there was a celebratory 5K run in Fort Wayne for the area groups participating in Girls on the Run.
A few of the essential concepts from the program focused on helping the girls understand themselves, value relationships and teamwork. It also taught girls how to manage their emotions, make good choices, learn self-acceptance, gratitude and become more empowered. Additionally, the school district provided yoga and mindfulness classes, and a skate and bike club to middle school students with up to 30 students participate on any given day. Each of these programs engaged youth in unique ways to be physically active. It also taught them how to calm down, learn deep breathing skills, increase flexibility, participate in a safe and inclusive environment, and learn how to be a team player. The school district also purchased new PE equipment for elementary and middle schools with the funding.
“The skate and bike club was proposed from a middle school student where he compiled the idea to present to the school board for approval. He also created and shared a video of what he envisioned the club to look like,” said School Project Aware Coordinator and School Social Worker Renee Hood. “The student suggested and provided input on the equipment that was needed to host the weekly skate club. The students were able to bond physically and socially among different grade levels,” said Hood. In addition to the student, the club was also led by a GKB school teacher.
Overall, the three programs offered by the school district were successful and beneficial to all students served in the rural community of Garrett.
YMCA of Portage Township Offers Youth Pickleball Program (2024-2025)
The YMCA of Portage Township received grant funding through the Indiana Department of Health’s Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA) in fall 2024 to offer an Afterschool Youth Pickleball Program to local students in grades K-8. By incorporating pickleball into afterschool programming, the YMCA has been able to teach the importance of teamwork, teach problem-solving skills, and engage students in a new, fun way to be physically active.
"Many parents do not get off work until 5 or 6 p.m., which means it can be difficult for those youth to participate in organized youth sports. So, the YMCA decided to offer pickleball two times per week. We chose pickleball because for most of the youth, this was a new sport. The students and the staff were starting at the same level and learning the sport together," said Shannon Burhans, president and CEO of the YMCA of Portage Township. “Pickleball is a sport that can be played no matter your age. I have a blast not only playing, but watching the students grow in their athletic abilities. In just a few weeks, I noticed a huge improvement in coordination and motor skills.”
The participating students were asked about pickleball. “I get to play with my best friend, and it’s a lot of fun,” said student Johnny G., age 7. Other students talked about their love of hitting the ball, running, being on a team, and even watching others play. YMCA staff member Savannah Griffin said, “I like doing activities that make the kids get up and be active while also being able to engage in the activities with them. It’s also very fun to play.”
By February 2025, close to 70 students were joining in the afterschool program.
Richland-Bean Blossom Edgewood Schools Celebrate Every Kid Healthy Week (2024-2025)
Richland-Bean Blossom Edgewood Schools is proud to continue its strong partnership with Action for Healthy Kids by celebrating Every Kid Healthy Week during the week of April 21-25, 2025.
The schools kicked off the festivities with a focus on wellness, starting with their Mental Health Team’s “Mental Health Matters” newsletter — a timely reminder of the importance of emotional well-being in their schools. The newsletter provides tools, tips, and encouragement for supporting student mental health both in and out of the classroom.
On Tuesday, Aprill 22, things got deliciously healthy with "Tasty Tuesday," featuring culinary skills specialist Chef Amanda Waits. She engaged students in sampling creative mushroom-based dishes, including mushroom hummus and quesadillas.
"Why mushrooms, you ask? Well, it’s mushroom season here in Indiana, and what better way to highlight local, nutritious produce than by getting it into the hands (and mouths) of our students? Thanks to the #MushroomsInSchools initiative, students explored new flavors while learning about the benefits of this versatile veggie," said Vickie Coffee, Nutrition Services/Healthy Schools director.
The momentum continued mid-week with movement and strength. On Wednesday, April 23, CrossFit Coach, Randi Jackson led energizing CrossFit classes for both students and staff, a cornerstone of the schools' commitment to physical activity. These classes were made possible through the DNPA Youth Adolescent Physical Activity grant, which helped fund the essential equipment needed to launch the program for the 2024-2025 school year.
"To cap off the week, we teamed up with Chef Amanda to serve scratch-made sloppy joes featuring local ground beef from Fischer Farms. Along with the sloppy joes, we served sweet potato chips with sriracha ranch and a special sauce created by Chef Amanda. Elotes were on the menu as well, a perfect complement to our sloppy joes. All of the food was homemade from peeling and slicing sweet potatoes to mixing up buttermilk with plenty of fresh herbs for our sauces. It was a true farm-to-school moment and the perfect end to a week celebrating the many ways we support the whole health of every child!" Coffee exclaimed.
Coffee and the Richland-Bean Blossom Edgewood Schools' team continues to showcase what it truly means to support and improve the health and wellness of their students.
