Orchard Park Elementary Wins Project 18
Visit from Peyton Manning
By Stephanie Carlson Curtis Childhood obesity is a growing trend as well as a preventable problem. Education can make all the difference. Former Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning wants to throw the ball for a touchdown in teaching children about making healthy choices. About 15 percent of Indiana’s high-school-aged children are overweight while another 14 percent are obese, according to 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data. In a collaborative effort to reverse this trend and prevent childhood obesity, Project 18 was implemented and is moving into action in elementary schools. The program was created by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent in partnership with Marsh Supermarkets and Ball State University “This program addresses the whole child and is designed 26
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for those in third, fourth, and fifth grade,” said Diane Riemenschnitter, Orchard Park Elementary school nurse. “This is the third year Orchard Park has competed in the Project 18 Challenge which addresses risky diet behavior, and this year we won. We started an after-school group called Walk 18 which encouraged the kids to walk 18 minutes, run 1.8 miles, or run 18 laps around the school. You have to do something unique to win this honor, so we did.” In recognition of the achievement, Peyton Manning made a surprise visit, donated $2,500 to Orchard Park, and talked with students about nutrition. According to Riemenschnitter, Manning discussed refined grain versus whole grain and made the conversation fun by explaining the amazing catches game he plays with his Dad and brother, Eli. Out of 552 schools, Orchard Park did something different and was recognized for the extra effort it took to promote healthy choices. Manning was joined by Mark Hermann, former