LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Empowering schools to promote positive health choices for students is the goal of the "Activated School Challenge," an initiative aimed at supporting wellness through tailored programming.
Twelve regional schools have been awarded grants of up to $2,500 to create or expand initiatives focused on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Programs vary widely, reflecting the unique needs of each school community — from nutrition education and self-defense classes to sensory rooms and greenhouses.
Annabelle Ingleddue, a fifth grader at Allen East, is participating in the ROX (Ruling Our eXperiences) program, which focuses on personal safety and relationship education.
“The program is ROX, and we learn about self-defense and basically trust — like if you should trust that person,” Ingleddue said. “You learn about the red flags, healthy relationships with people, and who you can trust and who you can’t.”
At West Central Ohio Learning Academy, freshman Kaydence Evans shared plans to integrate virtual reality into student wellness.
“We're gonna buy VR headsets for our school to put physical and meditating apps for our students,” Evans said. “For like, after we’re done with our work, or if we’re just having, like, a bad day and we need a break.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Gee, a fourth grader at Shawnee Maplewood, described how his school will use the funds to enhance its sensory room.
“We're going to be adding new equipment for our sensory room, which is a place where kids who are struggling or having a rough day can sit and, like, take a minute to relax and reset their minds,” Gee said.
Schools receiving grants are located in Allen, Auglaize, and Putnam counties. Recipients include:
Elida Elementary School
West Central Ohio Learning Academy
Heir Force Community School
Shawnee Maplewood School
Independence Elementary School
New Knoxville Schools
Fort Jennings Local Schools
Kalida Elementary School
Ottawa Elementary School
Miller City – New Cleveland Local Schools
The grants are funded through a collaboration between Activate Allen County, the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize and Hardin Counties, the Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Board of Putnam County, and Mercy Health.
The "Activated School Challenge" is part of a broader effort to prioritize student wellness, recognizing that mental and physical health are essential for academic and personal success.
