Gov. Nathan Deal on Wednesday announced that 107 schools were awarded medals in the 2012-2013 Governor’s SHAPE Honor Roll program, including three in Lowndes County- Pine Grove Elementary, Lowndes High School, and Lowndes Middle School.

This program began last year as a way to promote Georgia SHAPE, an initiative launched by Deal calling on teachers, schools and students to help combat childhood obesity. The Honor Roll program challenges schools to make improvements based on three main criteria: physical activity, nutrition and wellness. These schools met benchmark measurements in all three categories earning them a medal.

Statewide, 51 schools received gold medals, 41 schools earned a silver medal and 15 were awarded a bronze medal. Forty schools are appearing on the Honor Roll for the second consecutive year. Extensive participation in this Honor Roll program speaks to the fact that Georgia schools are committed to offering assistance and opportunity to achieve a greater level of overall fitness.

“I would like to thank the families, faculty and staff for their continued commitment to promoting an active lifestyle among students,” said Deal. “We are seeing signs of improvement as the SHAPE program continues to grow, but there is still much work to be done.”

Georgia aims to provide every child the opportunity and resources needed to live healthy and active lives. Children and their parents benefit from fitness-level knowledge included in their FITNESSGRAM reports and can begin to develop and implement strategies for personal improvement.