Student groups from six area schools will soon implement their proposals to improve campus well-being as winners of 2024 Wellness Innovation Grants. Now in its fifth year, the Wellness Innovation Grant is sponsored by Texas Health Resources and underwritten by the Fort Worth-based R4 Foundation. Four $5,000 grants and two $2,500 grants – a total of $25,000 – was awarded to elementary, middle, and high schools with the best plans for making healthy choices easier at their campuses.
From the 17 student teams that developed and submitted entries, six schools representing the Fort Worth and Crowley ISDs advanced to the finals where students presented their proposals in person to a team of judges from Texas Health, R4 Foundation, and other community and school leaders. “Area students continually impress us with their commitment to improving their schools and their own personal well-being. They are our future, and it is clear when we judge this competition that our future is in good hands,” said Bret Helmer, R4 Foundation president.
Winners of 2024 Wellness Innovation Grants are:
$5,000 awards:
- Jackie Carden Elementary (Crowley ISD): Students advocated for a wellness room where they can relax and take breaks amid stressful times. With comfortable pillows and posters, the wellness room will be a place for students to engage in yoga sessions and mindfulness exercises and support the school’s PAWS-itivity (Practicing self-control, Acting self-responsibly, Working for success, Staying safe) approach for sustaining a positive, uplifting campus atmosphere.
- South Hills High School (Fort Worth ISD): Refurbishment and enhancement of the school courtyard was the focus of these students’ proposal as a space to support mental health and meet new friends. Various low-maintenance flowers will be added, enabling students to relax and bond with nature during lunch or free periods. Decorative items will be incorporated to further beautify the area and support school spirit and culture. Students will purchase corn hole games and outdoor furniture.
- Western Hills High School (Fort Worth ISD): A system of mobile, hydration, heat safety and first-aid stations known as RAWR (Response Aiding Wellness Recovery) Carts will enable students and others using school grounds to better address health concerns and emergency situations. Those capabilities will allow students to more fully and safely participate in a variety of activities.
- William James Middle School (Fort Worth ISD): Students plan to enlarge an existing outdoor garden and develop an indoor garden. Gardening helps children learn to grow healthy foods and discover the role plants play in providing food and habitat for insects, birds and other animals. With the new indoor area, students will be better equipped to enjoy gardening, regardless of the weather or time of year. Student ambassadors will also include learning about vocations and workforce development in horticulture and landscaping areas.
$2,500 awards:
- Oaklawn Elementary (Fort Worth ISD): Outdoor recess helps students become more physically active. An existing soccer field will be updated with goal nets and supplies. A volleyball court will be added, along with equipment for oversized checkers, cornhole, Connect 4, ring toss and other games.
- Rufino Mendoza Elementary (Fort Worth ISD): Students plan to implement Project STRONG (Support, Teamwork, Responsible, Open-minded, Neighborly, Greatness), a comprehensive wellness initiative designed to foster physical, mental and emotional health. Specific elements include affirmative indoor decorations and messages, improved recess equipment and water bottles for each student to promote school spirit and wellness.
Students impressed judges with their insights and imaginations, said Matt Dufrene, Texas Health vice president. “It’s inspiring to watch these presentations and listen to the creative plans students have to improve well-being on their campuses,” Dufrene said. “This competition gives them an opportunity to make a lasting impact on their schools.” The annual Wellness Innovation Grant program aligns with Texas Health’s ongoing work with area schools. Other efforts include walking school bus programs, support for learning gardens, literacy, movement activities, and campus wellness.