LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Activate Allen County is honoring the winning schools in its Activated School Challenge.
Thirteen schools were selected as winners in this year’s challenge, which tasks students and staff with creating sustainable projects that promote health and well-being, ranging from nutrition and physical activity to mental health, calming strategies and sensory awareness.
Each of the 13 schools received grants ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 to continue funding their respective projects. On Friday, we spoke with several students about their projects and the overall impact they have had on both them and their communities.
"I'm in a shop class with Mike Brodwolf as my teacher. He had us build a gaga ball pit for the kids, helped our shop class and learn how to work with wood better, and it helped really just with being able to learn just random things. We got to go outside and play with the kids, which was good for them and good for us honestly. We also bought a light sensory board for the special needs kids which was good for them as well," says Noah Strahm, Sophomore, Columbus Grove High School.
"I am a Sources of Strength peer leader, and we deal with a lot of mental health issues for grades K through 12, and because of our grant, we will have a mobile art therapy cart which can be brought to each grade and just help people regulate their emotions," says Alexis Vo, Junior, Leipsic High School.
The following schools received grants in the Activated School Challenge:
- Allen East High School
- Heir Force Community School
- Bath Middle School
- Shawnee Elmwood
- Spencerville Local Schools
- ACE Academy
- St. Marys East Primary School
- Waynesfield-Goshen Local Schools
- St. Anthony of Padua
- Columbus Grove Local Schools
- Leipsic Local School District
- New Bremen Elementary School
- Ottawa Elementary School
