Prairie Elementary named Fitness Finalist for 2009 Governor’s Challenge

June 19, 2009

Prairie Elementary School is one of two Sacramento area schools to make the finalist list for the 2009 Governor’s Challenge Competition.  Prairie Elementary and Hazel Strauch Elementary are two of 92 schools state-wide that have been named in a contest that promotes increased physical activity and better health among California’s youth. 

“With the help of our EGUSD’s fabulous Food and Nutrition services, Prairie has been able to make healthy eating a key focus at Prairie.  Students are continuously encouraged to make healthy choices via nutrition and exercise too,” said Prairie Principal Fawzia Keval.  “Over the last two years, Prairie students have also enjoyed several fitness centered assemblies as well as dance instruction for six weeks, thanks to the arts, music and P.E. funds.  The power of making good choices remains our key focus at Prairie.” 

Finalists were selected out of more than 1,000 participating schools statewide.  The finalists’ selection was based on the percentage and number of students in their school who successfully completed the Governor’s Challenge of being active 30-60 minutes a day, at least 3 days a week for a month. 

Prairie Elementary grew its participation in the Governor’s Challenge from 39 students last year to all 939 students this year.  Prairie is in contention for one of the competition’s three grand prizes, including a brand new fitness center valued at $100,000.  In addition to being named finalists for the competition’s state-wide awards, Prairie is also a contender for a 2009 Regional Award, the Gold Country Regional Award and $5,000 for new physical activity equipment.  Grand Prize and Regional Award winning schools will be announced at a special ceremony at the Capitol in September. 

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