My name is Suzanna Loriss, and I am from Elmore City–Pernell High School. I work with the Elevate Student Campaign to improve student health. I grew up around people who did not make their health a priority, and because of this, Elevate is something very close to my heart. The consequences of their choices affected their ability to spend time with their families and led to many other struggles that could have been avoided if they had prioritized their health.

Through Elevate, we are working to improve wellness policies and help students make healthier decisions. We advocate for better food options, access to clean water, and opportunities for physical activity in schools.

We regularly host events at school and at basketball games. At these events, we strive to provide healthier options at concession stands and gather feedback through surveys to better understand what needs improvement in our school.

Elevate is incredibly important because the choices and habits we form can impact our lives, energy levels, and even our mental well-being. Having seen the effects of poor health habits firsthand, I cannot emphasize enough how much they can affect a person’s life. I want to see students prioritize their health, and I also hope to see schools and elected officials do the same.

Raising awareness about the importance of nutrition and physical activity is a key part of what we do with Elevate. I hope to see meaningful changes in my community and in communities like mine.

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By: Suzanna Loriss, Elmore City-Pernell High School