Hi, my name is Estefany, and I am in 12th grade at Putnam City West High School. I am a member of the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) and I love the Elevate Student Health campaign! 

Elevate Student Health is a campaign that promotes healthier schools and encourages improved school wellness policies for supporting students' well-being. As youth advocates for the campaign, we focus on meeting with our principals and board members to make a healthier and active school environment and community.

One opportunity I personally have done with Elevate Student Health is a principal meeting during our lunch. During this meeting, I discussed changing the water filters and improving the food for concession stands. We also talked about other ways our school can help students have healthy options. When I spoke with my principal, he had really positive feedback. We were able to get the water filters replaced, and we were able to change the student handbook so that students have access to fruit during meals. This all made me feel like I was heard and that it was important to my principal. I was glad I did the meeting to create change at my school. 

Growing up, my family didn't care what they ate, causing them to get diabetes. They didn't know eating badly would affect them in the long run. With the help of Elevate Student Health, I was able to show my family the dangers of constantly consuming bad foods and not exercising. I want to get more people’s support so that way I’m able to show others the dangers of not eating well; not only to the younger generation but to everyone.

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By: Estefany Flores, Putnam City West High School