[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 91 (Friday, June 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1048-E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT--ASAP REGIONAL AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2012

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate El Paso 
Independent School District (EPISD) on receiving a regional award for 
combating obesity and promoting healthier habits among its students.
  Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. 
In combination with healthy eating, it can help prevent a range of 
chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke, which 
are the three leading causes of death. Physical activity helps control 
weight, builds lean muscle, reduces fat, promotes strong bone, muscle 
and joint development, and decreases the risk of obesity.

[[Page E1049]]

  The Active Schools Acceleration Project (ASAP) was launched by First 
Lady Michelle Obama and ChildObesity 180 and identify and reward the 
most creative, impactful, and scalable school-based programs and 
technological innovations that promote physical activity for children. 
ASAP initiated a competition this year for schools nationwide to create 
a school-based physical activity program in order to inspire youth to 
be more physically active. ASAP honored school districts with the most 
innovative ideas.
  EPISD and the other regional winners will receive a grant of $25,000 
to support physical activity programming. Regional winners are now 
eligible to become national winners with the opportunity to receive a 
$100,000 grant, and participate in a developmental pilot aimed at 
expanding its program's to reach even more students and schools within 
the region and nationally, so I wish EPISD the best of luck! This award 
displays the courage and activism of a community that prioritizes 
children's health.
  None of this could have been possible without the passionate staff, 
the leadership of Superintendent Terri Jordan, and, of course, the 
energetic students of EPISD. I am pleased that EPISD has made great 
strides in the area of health and wellness, and the award both gives 
their program validation and allows them to do more for our students in 
these areas. It is important that future generations have a well-
rounded education that includes physical wellness. The award is not 
only an indication of the district's success, but is also a great 
example for youth to follow.

                          ____________________