Pickens County Schools Honored for Healthy Eating

Kindergarteners, first and second graders at Crosswell were excited about eating healthy.

They could answer questions such as "can you name a green vegetable?" or "how about an orange one?" without even thinking for more than a few seconds.

In addition to eating healthy, they also knew they had to get exercise and that it had to be daily.

While chocolate milk still rules as the No. 1 preferred item on the lunch list, there's a few peas and carrots being slipped onto their lunch trays. And, they are OK with eating them!

On Tuesday, 25 schools in the School District of Pickens County were honored with bronze awards in the HealthierUS School Challenge program.

The HealthierUS School Challenge is a voluntary national certification initiative for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. Sponsored by the USDA Food and Nutrition Services, the initiative encourages all schools to take a leadership role in helping students make healthier eating and physical activity choices that will last throughout their lives.

Pickens County ranks second in the state for the most schools recognized with the award, finishing behind Beaufort County which has 29 schools in the program.

The impact was felt as dozens of students yelled out answers to questions, enthusiastically cheered, "Eat smart, play hard."

The following schools, principals and cafeteria managers were recognized:

1. Ambler Elementary School • Carlton Lewis, Principal • Kathy Sexton, Manager
2. Central Elementary School • Jamie Spinks, Principal • Kim Wilson, Manager
3. Clemson Elementary School • Ken Weichel, Principal • Pam Haselton, Manager
4. Crosswell Elementary School • Traci Boyles, Principal • Theresa Mobley, Manager
5. Dacusville Elementary School • Michael Fleming, Principal • Tonya Perry, Manager
6. Dacusville Middle School • Andy Hooker, Assistant Principal • Jenaffer Pitt, Interim Manager
7. Daniel High School • Sharon Huff, Principal • Sherri McManis, Manager
8. Easley High School • Tim Mullis, Principal • Patricia Melton, Manager
9. East End Elementary School • Tammy Day, Principal • Susie Thomas, Manager
10. Edwards Middle School • Gary Culler, Principal • Sara Lindsay, Manager
11. Forest Acres Elementary School • Darian Byrd, Principal • Pam Smith, Manager
12. Gettys Middle School • Michael Cory, Principal • Diane Aiken, Manager
13. Hagood Elementary School • Karen Jackson, Principal • Wanda Stamey, Manager
14. Holly Springs Elementary School • Donna Harden, Principal • Wanda Lance, Manager
15. Lewis Elementary School • Thomas Polidor, Principal • Diann Reece, Manager
16. Liberty Elementary School • Lowell Haynes, Principal • Crysti Pilgrim, Manager
17. Liberty High School • Lori Gwinn, Principal • Sandra Moore, Manager
18. Liberty Middle School • Donivan Edwards, Principal • Amanda Anderson, Manager
19. McKissick Elementary School • Stephanie Price, Principal • Pam Haynie, Manager
20. Pickens Elementary School • Del Freitag, Principal • Tammy Cassell, Manager
21. Pickens High School • Marion Lawson, Principal • Dianne Hamilton, Manager
22. Pickens Middle School • Libba Floyd, Principal • Shelley Searcy, Interim Manager
23. Simpson Alternative Center for Education • Reggia Stapleton, Director • Beth Gray, Manager
24. Six Mile Elementary School • Clif Alexander, Principal • Deborah Young, Manager
25. West End Elementary School • Angie Rodgers, Principal • Susan Gamble, Manager.