New Rochelle Schools Recognized for Healthy Environments [VIDEO]

Four New Rochelle schools have received national recognition from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for turning their schools into healthy environments for both students and staff.

The schools that received Bronze awards from the Alliance are Barnard early Childhood Center, Jefferson Elementary School, Isaac E. Young Middle School and New Rochelle High School.

There were only 10 schools in state that were given the awards, said Geri Wurman, Healthy Schools program manager for New York and Connecticut.

Dr. Adrienne Weiss-Harrison, the district's medical director and school physician, said New Rochelle has had a wellness program for 8 years developing food programs and physical activities. Joining the Alliance helped them expand the program further into the schools by involving students and staff.

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Two senior students—Johari Privott-Yeiser and Onye Onwukanjo—were on hand at a press conference to talk about how the healthy food fits in with their high school experience by making them better able to study and do athletics.

The school district was also honored by being chosen as one of two districts invited to participate in the School Lunch Cook-off, which is part of the cupcoming NYC Wine & Food Festival, Saturday, Oct. 13.

School personnel, including the high school's House Principal Dr. Monifa Tippitt, and some from West Babylon will be paired up with either Rachael Ray or Guy Fieri to prepare a healthy lunch in a demonstration kitchen.

The school district's food service provider is Whitson's Culinary Group.