Highline Public Schools has been recognized by the King County Board of Health for achieving the silver award level in the national Healthier US School Challenge.

Four Highline elementary schools were the only schools in the state to attain silver level in the national award program.

The board awarded certificates to Beverly Park, Madrona, Southern Heights, and White Center elementary schools and to Nutrition Services director Chris Neal and Nutrition Services manager Megan de Vries.

The Healthier US School Challenge is a voluntary federal initiative that recognizes schools that have created healthier school environments by promoting nutrition and physical activity. The challenge is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and championed by First Lady Michelle Obama.

“The Board of Health has statistics showing people living in South King County have higher obesity and smoking rates and lower life expectancy than people in the rest of the region,” said King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson.  “These schools are creating opportunities for children to defy the troubling health data …and live better lives.”

“The Healthier US School Challenge encourages schools to help students make healthier food choices and promote more active lifestyles. These effects will last a lifetime,” said County Councilman Joe McDermott, who chairs the Board of Health.