My name is Candy Medina, and I am a junior at Putnam City West High School, working alongside my Youth Field Organizer (YFO), Jeanae. One of the campaigns I am really passionate about is Elevate Student Health. I’ve seen firsthand how crucial this is for our students, especially since so many of us are athletes, whether in school or outside of it.

It's clear that many students need better nutrition and access to essential vitamins. Unfortunately, what’s being served at school is mostly junk food. This is a major problem, not just for athletes, but also for students who don’t have healthier options at home and are looking for them at school. The reality is, in many parts of Oklahoma, some schools don’t even have access to clean water, and almost all of them are serving unhealthy food. This campaign is all about helping schools get access to cleaner water, healthier food options for both lunch and breakfast, and more opportunities for physical activity.

Elevate Student Health is an Oklahoma-based campaign dedicated to improving the health of young people by promoting healthy eating and physical activity in schools. It’s about enhancing school wellness policies and encouraging districts to adopt comprehensive policies that truly benefit student health. The campaign focuses on three key areas: providing healthy food options, ensuring physical activity opportunities, and offering access to clean drinking water. As part of the Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL) program, funded by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), we’re advocating for policy changes that support these goals. I’m looking forward to working with my school board members to update our school wellness policy and make a real difference in the well-being of my peers.

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By: Candy Medina, Putnam City West High School