Richland Two Superintendent Dr. Baron R. Davis receives national award for youth program
September 27, 2022
American Heart Association school programs target whole-body wellness in support of physical and emotional health
The American Heart Association’s school-based youth programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, honor Richland Two Superintendent Dr. Baron Davis in Columbia, SC with a national award as Administrator of the year. This honor was announced as a part of the national awards given annually to distinguished schools and individuals supporting the success of student’s mental and physical health.
Dr. Davis earned the title of Administrator of the Year for his advocacy of the importance of good heart health. Dr. Davis was the co-chair of this year’s Midlands Heart Walk and was responsible for bringing in over $152-thousand new dollars to the American Heart Association through his influence,” according to Kimberly Dixon, Vice President of the Youth Market for the American Heart Association.
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is helping educators make whole-body wellness a priority by bringing more resources to school campuses. The Kids Heart Challenge (elementary schools) and the American Heart Challenge (middle and high schools) are service-learning programs that provide lessons, tools, and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for students, families, and staff. Both programs offers a variety of physical activities to get students’ hearts pumping paired with digital missions to learn life-saving skills like Hands-Only CPR™.
“This is a great honor for me to receive this award, and I proudly share it with the district I serve,” Said Dr. Davis. “Heart disease hits very close to home for so many of our families, and I hope our small contribution will help pave the way for continued progress in fighting heart disease.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,[1] only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations. Both the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science, which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood[2].
In addition to physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include improved grades, school attendance and classroom behavior. Physical activity can also help kids feel better, improve mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression[3].
Funds raised by Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach programs, paving the way for improved health outcomes for healthier communities. Schools are encouraged to register now for 2022-2023 school year. To learn more about the American Heart Association’s kids’ initiatives, or to donate, please visit www.heart.org/kids.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
