Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) earned a Gold Medal in the Governor’s Student Health and Physical Education Program (SHAPE) Honor Roll in recognition of commitment to the health and well-being of Georgia’s students through fitness and nutrition.

On May 23, 2012, Gov. Nathan Deal and the Georgia Department of Public Health launched Georgia SHAPE, a statewide program merging governmental, philanthropic, and academic and business communities to address the state’s childhood obesity epidemic.  

The Georgia Student Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) Act was passed in the 2009 Georgia legislative session. Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the law requires each local school district to conduct an annual fitness assessment program for all students in grades 1-12 enrolled in Georgia public school physical education classes taught by certified physical education teachers. The assessment is in the form of a FITNESSGRAM. Since the program started over 3,000 P.E. teachers have been trained to administer FITNESSGRAM fitness tests to more than 1 million students at 2,300 schools.

Under the leadership of Physical Education Director Kyle Whitmire, LOA was one of 39 schools across Georgia to receive Gold Medal status.  Another 34 schools earned a Silver Medal and 39 were Bronze Medal winners.

“I am extremely proud of our students and their commitment to health and fitness, and not just in P.E. class,” said Whitmire.  “This commitment is continued at home and extends to all facets of their lives.  We will continue to strive for healthier and more active students.”

Photo caption:  LOA students are proud to be recognized for their active and healthy lifestyle.