Coggin Elementary School in Brownwood ISD proudly retains its title as the sole Healthy School Recognized Campus (HSRC) in the county for the second consecutive year. The recognition, honored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services, highlights the school’s unwavering commitment to fostering healthy lifestyle behaviors among its students, staff, and parents.
Leading this effort are three dedicated Extension Agents: Courtney Parrott, Wendy Hamilton, and Nick Gonzales. Their collaborative endeavors have been instrumental in implementing the program at Coggin Elementary, reflecting the school’s dedication to promoting wellness within its community.
In the fall semester, over 200 2nd through 4th-grade students, along with parents and staff, actively participated in a series of health and wellness activities. There were three curriculums: Walk Across Texas!, Fresh Start to a Healthier You!, and Making a Healthier Me! These included an eight-week challenge titled “Walking Across Texas” for adults and youth, a four-week adult series on nutrition, and eight weekly lessons covering various aspects of health for the youth.
Coggin Elementary’s success in promoting health initiatives was significantly bolstered by partnerships and collaborations with various entities. These included support from Physical Education teacher Stefenia Phipps, assistant Dianna McDonald, Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador Emalee Parrott, Dr. Robert Goodwin’s DDS office, TX DOT, Hendricks Hospital, River Crest Hospital, Texas Bank, Best Western Hotel, Chick-Fil-A, and Brown County Boys and Girls Club.
At the Boys and Girls Club, Coggin students earned bonus miles and club bucks for every ten laps, redeemable for rewards. Mayra Martinez expressed her delight, stating, “Because of the kids’ excitement, we’ve continued it. They stay active, and it encourages healthy habits all year.”
In addition to these efforts, Ms. Holland, a mother of a 4th-grade student at Coggin Elementary, shared her daughter’s enthusiasm for the program. Ms. Holland noted that her daughter loved the water bottle she received as part of the program and learned to enhance her water with fresh fruit, making it taste better.
Coggin Elementary’s commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle for everyone exemplifies the positive impact of community collaboration and sets a fantastic example of what it means to be a Healthy School Recognized Campus.
“We are so grateful for the resources and community outreach that the AgriLife Extension Office provides,” said Coggin PE Coach Stefenia Phipps. “Coggin Elementary students are healthier because of the hard work from Courtney Parrott, Wendy Hamilton, and Nick Gonzales. Our collaboration is the best part of our year, and the students and coaches always look forward to their visits.”
Additional photos and video from Coggin’s Walk Across Texas! Glow Party are viewable online at https://www.brownwoodisd.org/cogginwalk2024.
