Forest Oaks Elementary School has been selected as a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Be Healthy School and will be awarded a $10,000 grant. The funds will be used to offset the costs of a playground addition at the newly constructed school.

The Be Healthy Schools Grant Program is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and reinforces the company’s commitment to help prevent childhood obesity. The program was recently expanded for the 2013-2014 school year, more than doubling the available grant money to $250,000. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to 25 schools serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade, and are used to fund the implementation of school-based health and wellness programs.

Forest Oaks Elementary Principal, Dr. Resia Brooks, felt her school’s E²: Eat Right and Exercise wellness initiative was a great fit for the grant program. In her application letter, Brooks said, “As we ready for a new school year in a new school, we will fully implement our own Eat Right and Exercise program called E² (E squared). Developed as a life skills initiative to promote physical fitness and healthy eating habits, our motto is: “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, Happy Kids”. We feel strongly that E² will empower students both in and out of school, educating a generation so that they may, in turn, educate others.”

The school’s selection for the Be Healthy Schools grant has added to the mounting excitement and anticipation of the school’s opening in October. The grant will allow Forest Oaks Elementary to add playground equipment for its 800 students in grades K-5. Along with the grant, Forest Oaks will receive a banner to display on campus in recognition of their selection as a Be Healthy School.