N. H. Pilate Middle School has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to health and wellness, earning the 2024 Healthy School Award from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. The announcement comes with a $50,000 grant to further support the school’s health initiatives.
This recognition marks the proud conclusion of a journey for N. H. Pilate Middle School, which had applied for the Healthy School Award in the past and received guidance on how to enhance its wellness practices. This year, their efforts paid off. “We look for schools implementing policy and programs to nurture a healthy environment,” said Eugenia King, director of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. She emphasized the importance of supporting students’ overall well-being, noting, “2024 was their year to receive it. They're doing things right to support students. The healthier they are, the better they perform in the classroom.”
The school’s application process was comprehensive, detailing a nine-part wellness plan that included initiatives in nutrition, physical activity, classroom health education and active involvement from parents and the community. One notable aspect of the school’s approach is its emphasis on integrating movement into daily routines, ensuring that students are not confined to their desks for long periods. Additionally, physical education classes are designed to reinforce curriculum-based learning, combining physical activity with academic achievement.
Superintendent Glenda Nickson shared that the grant will be used to build a walking trail at the school, a resource available to both students and the wider community. “We have a vision of preparing our students academically and keeping them healthy,” Nickson said. She also highlighted the potential long-term benefits of the trail, suggesting it might inspire students to join track teams when they move on to high school. “The high school can come use the space as well. It will be beneficial to students, staff and the community.”
The initiative has received enthusiastic support from the school’s staff. PE Coach Ben Longmire praised the project, saying, “Ms. Lewis and Ms. Sumling came to me with this project, and I thought it was great for the students and the school. It will help our students in the long run. I always want our students to be healthy and successful.” Kanesha Sumling, the child nutrition coordinator, also stressed the importance of promoting physical exercise and healthy eating habits, both within the school and in the surrounding community.
Principal Betty Lewis expressed excitement about the walking trail’s potential impact. “The whole process has been exciting,” she remarked. “We put programs in place and met our deadlines, so now we will get to have a walking and running space used by the scholars, the staff and the community.”
With 187 students, N. H. Pilate Middle School is a vital part of the Newton Municipal School District, which serves approximately 901 students. This award and the new walking trail are part of a broader strategy to improve not only the educational outcomes of the students but also their overall health and wellness, reflecting a commitment to creating a healthier future for everyone in the community.
