Palmetto PALS (Partners Advancing the Lives of Students) were recently recognized for their support of Richland One schools in developing and implementing action plans to improve the health of students and staff. Palmetto PALS are health professionals who volunteer on Richland One’s School Wellness Councils to promote practices and policies to create healthier learning environments.
Dr. James Stallworth, University of SC School of Medicine – Columbia, and Dr. Rachel Brown, USC Palmetto Health Medical Group, were recognized for their contributions in creating PALS. Former Richland One school board member Vince Ford was honored as the 2017 Palmetto PALS School Wellness Champion. Ford is the chief community health officer for Palmetto Health and was a committed advocate of wellness efforts during his 24-year service on the Richland One Board of School Commissioners.
The twenty-three Richland One schools that have won the prestigious National Healthy Schools Award were also recognized including:
- Brockman Elementary – SC’s first Gold National Healthy Schools Award winner;
- Burton Pack Elementary – SC’s first Silver National Healthy Schools Award winner; and
- AC Flora High School – SC’s first high school Silver National Healthy Schools Award winner. (Photos available)