By Betty Gandee

With West Virginia ranking among the highest in obesity and diabetes, one local elementary school is pushing for a healthier future.

Big Otter Elementary came home from California with a second-place national win in the Tone Up Challenge, but these students aren’t stopping there.

This group of kids had the opportunity to meet with Governor Jim Justice at the State Capital on Sunday and were honored by lawmakers for their great work in CA.  They are continuing to learn the importance of exercise and healthy food choices to overcome the rise in childhood obesity.

Big Otter students are working alongside West Virginia lawmakers to get the nutrient and structured exercise bill passed.  This would provide funding for obesity prevention and establish physical activity requirements.

Teacher DeeDee Klemans says she wants all students to obtain the knowledge to read nutrition labels and what they mean.  The goal is to inform kids on how to make healthier choices every day and to teach them how these healthy changes can benefit them for the rest of their lives.

These young students meet with Jim Justice to express their individual concerns and feelings on the proposed bill.  They let lawmakers know how they believed this law could benefit many young students.  They will continue to push for a healthier West Virginia.