Willow Glen Resident
Education
Presentation High senior focuses on nutrition, wins 'Got Milk?' grant
By Mayra Flores De Marcotte
A turkey sandwich, some fresh grapes and a bottle of water make up Ashley Samuel's lunch. The Presentation High School senior watches what she eats, and tries to lead by example.
"People are starting to see that teen obesity is not just going to go away," Ashley says. "Obesity is something we have to do something about."
The senior is working to do her part to educate others about eating healthy and including exercise into their daily routine partly because she wants to become a nutritionist, and in the process, received national recognition for herself as well as for her school.
On Oct. 3, Willow Glen's Presentation High School was named one of the 25 healthiest schools in the country by the "Got Milk?" Milk Mustache marketing campaign in association with the School Nutrition Association and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
The program was created to draw attention to and help combat the nation's growing teen obesity problem.
Ashley nominated her school through an essay contest, describing the lengths Presentation goes to in combating obesity, including offering all of its students the opportunity to play on one of many sports teams through its no-cut sports program, Ashley says.
"It's so everyone can play and get some exercise regardless of whether you're good or not," she says.
Along with the exercise component, healthy alternatives in the cafeteria also help.
"Our cafeteria includes sides of fruits and vegetables along with the regular meals that students can buy," Ashley says.
As for drinks, the school carries water, vitamin water, milk and juice along with soda.
In recognition of the program at Presentation, the "Got Milk?" campaign presented a $1,000 grant to support nutrition and physical activity programs that further aid in students' health and wellness at the school.
Ashley's efforts didn't go unnoticed, either. She was presented with a prize package that includes gear from Adidas and a gift card from iTunes.
"I just want to help people to eat better, healthier," she says.
The Healthiest Student Bodies contest ran from April through June.
For more information, visit www. bodybymilk.com.
