It's the national gold standard of school student nutrition awards. Twenty- four Richland One elementary schools have won the Healthier US School Challenge Gold Award from the US Department of Agriculture. A celebration honoring their achievement will be Thursday, March 26 at 8:30 am at Watkins Nance Elementary School, 2525 Barhamville Road.

Representatives from the Office of the US Secretary of Agriculture and the South Carolina Department of Education will make the presentations to staff of Richland One's Office of Student Nutrition. Schools receiving the Gold Award are Arden, Bradley, Brennen, Burnside, Burton- Pack, Carver- Lyon, Caughman Road, Forest Heights, Gadsden, Hopkins, Horrell Hill, Hyatt Park, Lewis Greenview, Logan, Meadowfield, Mill Creek, Pine Grove, H.B. Rhame, Sandel, South Kilbourne, EE Taylor, JP Thomas, Watkins Nance, and Webber.

The Healthier US School program recognizes elementary schools that meet stringent criteria for healthy environments including regular physical activity, nutrition education, and low- fat meals rich in whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables.

"This award puts Richland One schools in an elite group nationally," said Student Nutrition Services director Imogene Clarke. "It's rare for a school to achieve the Gold level. That we have 24 schools to win is a testament to the hard work and support of school and Student Nutrition Services staff."

For more information please contact the Richland One Office of Communications at 231-7504 or 231-7510.