Across Utah, 219 elementary schools received Gold Medal School (GMS) recognition and 9 junior/middle schools received the Power-Up recognition. The schools are among a total of 334 schools committed to creating a healthier generation by making policy changes that inspire faculty, students, and the community to get more physical activity, eat better, and live a tobacco-free life.

The 228 schools will receive Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Platinum Focus medals and awards for their participation. More than 2,000 students will be honored in special assemblies across the state, and each school will receive a plaque or trophy and a check from the Utah Department of Health to use for their physical activity, nutrition, or tobacco prevention measures. Now active in 95% of Utah school districts, GMS is making an impact on the health of Utah’s students and teachers.

“What defines these schools as Gold Medal Schools is their policies,” said Sarah Rigby, GMS Coordinator. “While each is unique in the way it implements the program, the policies they must follow include allowing students 90-150 minutes of physical activity per week, using non-food rewards, and offering healthier food choices to students and staff,” Rigby added.

GMS Power-Up was launched in middle and junior high schools in 2007. That year, four schools signed up and the number has now grown to nine. These schools fulfill GMS criteria while encouraging more student involvement than grade schools.

To find out which schools in your area are participating in GMS or GMS Power-Up, visit www.hearthighway.org/gms or www.hearthighway.org/gms/powerup after May 10, 2009.

For more information about Gold Medal Schools or GMS Power-Up, contact GMS Coordinator Sarah Rigby at (801) 538-9454 or srigby@utah.gov

# # #