School health extolled at Bethel Woods

Sullivan 180 rewards districts’ efforts

By Manor Ink Staff

Bethel, NY – Sullivan 180, the county’s health advocacy organization, recently held an awards ceremony for schools participating in its “Empowering a Healthier Generation” program, a competition that promotes health and wellness for Sullivan youth and their families. The gala event took place on Sept. 21 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and was attended by numerous school staff from the county’s eight districts.

Five schools were chosen from those districts to compete for grants of $75K and $50K. They were Benjamin Cosor Elementary in Fallsburg, George Cooke Elementary in Monticello, Sullivan West Elementary in Lake Huntigton, and Livingston Manor Elementary and Middle/High School.

Sullivan 180’s Chief Executive Officer Denise Frangipane and Director of Health & Wellness Meaghan Mullally-Gorr delivered opening remarks, describing the EHG program and lauding the efforts by school staff to improve the health of their students. Each school in turn then presented their various projects, describing novel activities like riding a “Blender Bike” and holding classes while hiking outdoors.

Grants were then presented by a panel of judges. LMCS won two special Judges’ Awards and several Turtle Awards, totalling $12,000. The two major grants, however, went to Sullivan West Elementary and Benjamin Cosor Elementary. Though Manor did not take the top prizes, the real win was the improved health of Rockland’s students.

Social Media Editor Zoey McGee helped with this story.