Hello, my name is NaQuaya. I'm 15 and going into the 11th grade. I’m from Southeast High School. I work on a campaign called Elevate Student Health, which focuses on nutrition, physical activity and access to clean drinking water.

This campaign has taught me that some school wellness policies need to be stricter. During a few of my school lunches, I have collected surveys to assess the opinions of what physical activity and nutrition elements need to be improved at our school. People should care about the wellness policies, because many Oklahomans are struggling with obesity. Unhealthy habits can also cause long-term problems in their body. In my work with YAHL and Elevate Student Health, I have met with school leaders who support the YAHL program and our work with Elevate Student Health. I also talked to leaders about how we can improve our school’s policies and got their support for making improvements.

You should also support Elevate Student Health because you can make a difference in your school. Eating healthy can help you in many ways. You should always have healthy options at school because kids eat half their meals at school.

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By: NaQuaya Ellison, Southeast High School

Moving Your Body to Move Your Mind

By giving students the opportunity to learn about their bodies and their health, we are increasing the chances of building a healthier Oklah

Come Prepared and Speak Up

Youth can make a real impact when we come prepared and speak up.

Youth Speak Out

Being in YAHL and working on Elevate Student Health gives youth a voice to speak out against policies that directly affect them.

Healthy Habits Create Healthy Minds

Elevate is important to me because it encourages students to build healthy habits at a young age.

Leadership Skills for the Future

YAHL has helped me learn so many new skills that will prepare me for the future.

Raising Health Awareness in Our Schools

Why does this matter to me? Because physical health affects everything, how we learn, how we feel, and how we grow.

BLOGS