May 25 was a fabulous day in Dallas, as I presented 154 HealthierUS School Challenge awards to schools of the Dallas Independent School District – the greatest number to a single school district thus far. 78 schools received gold awards and another 76 earned bronze level awards. And, Texas leads the nation with 228 out of 1155 schools in the 42 states that have earned awards.

Beyonce’s Move Your Body spurs Edison Middle School students into action at Dallas HealthierUS School Challenge award ceremony. Photo by Georgina Castillo

As the largest district to meet the challenge, Dallas ISD’s innovative ways of providing healthy lunches and incorporating exercise in their daily routine has set them apart. Thomas A. Edison Middle School students performed a dance routine to Beyonce’s Move Your Body, a song written especially for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative. Nancy Mosely Elementary students demonstrated a jump rope activity that children could easily do on any playground or at home. Overall, Dallas’ participation and program are so impressive that I gave them two thumbs up!

The Texas Department of Agriculture, Fuel Up to Play 60, and USDA’s own Power Panther joined food service directors, principals and community leaders for the celebration. This broad representation shows that involvement from all sectors of the community is the key to a successful effort. It’s exactly this cooperative effort that the First Lady envisioned when she began Let’s Move! over a year ago. And even more importantly, feeding kids right and getting them physically active are the fundamentals of our nation’s ability to win the race for the future.

Nancy Moseley Elementary School students jump with energy and precision in their jump rope activity at the Dallas HealthierUS School Challenge ceremony. Photo by Georgina Castillo

For more information about how you or your school can take part in the HealthierUS School Challenge, visit the Team Nutrition website.