Cornerstone Academy Recognized as One of Ohio’s “Buckeye Best Healthy Schools”

WESTERVILLE, OH (June 3, 2010) – Cornerstone Academy, a public charter school in Westerville, Oh.,  was recently recognized as one of the Healthy Ohioan’s-Governor’s Buckeye Best (BB) Healthy Schools.

BB Healthy Schools demonstrate a commitment to the health and wellness of their students and staff through the establishment of programs and policies that foster these goals. The program is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health in partnership with the American Cancer Society – Ohio Division, as part of the Ohio Department of Health’s Healthy Ohioans campaign.

“We were awarded at the Bronze level this year and have a goal of being Gold next year,” said Jamie Scott, Chief Administrative Officer of Cornerstone Academy.

Each fall the BB Healthy School Program accepts applications and ranks schools based upon their progress. All winning schools achieve a “gold” standard in the areas of tobacco, nutrition and physical activity. Ms. Scott is encouraging parents and the community to increase physical activity and involvement in nutrition and activity-based programs.

“We would love to purchase a fitness station that could be used for both physical education classes and the community surrounding the school,” Ms. Scott said.

Cornerstone Academy’s parent advisory committee is working with the school’s lunch director and vendor, to create an even healthier food program. More whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables will be incorporated into the menu for next year. The school is also researching grant opportunities to build a greenhouse and garden. The garden will give the health food program a big boost by giving students the opportunity to enjoy fresh produce grown on the school grounds.