St. Mary’s School in Oak Ridge was honored to be selected as one of twenty Tennessee middle schools to have been awarded a 2015 Shape the State grant to improve its physical education program. The grant, valued at $10,000 is funded by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation. Ms. Ashley Williams, BlueCross BlueShield of TN visited St. Mary’s School on Wednesday to present the $10,000 check to Sister Marie Blanchette, OP, Principal and Mrs. Shannon Adcock, Athletic Director. Mrs. Adcock also received a check for $1,000 to spend at her discretion for PE, nutrition and wellness efforts. 
According to the state Department of Health, about 40 percent of Tennessee children are overweight or obese. Obesity dramatically increases a person’s risk for dangerous health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The Shape the State grants continue a longstanding practice of BlueCross’ Tennessee Health Foundation’s supporting efforts to fight childhood obesity in the state.
Mrs. Adcock and other Shape the State grant winners recently gathered for training from SPARK professionals on using the program with their students. Additionally, they have received complete SPARK curriculum materials, as well as accompanying exercise equipment.
SPARK was launched in 1989 after being developed by researchers at San Diego State University. Since then, its evidence-based curriculum has been used in public schools, YMCAs and other settings across the nation.
St. Mary’s is an award-winning Catholic school, founded in 1950, that offers Pre-K-8th grade classes. A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, the school is known for its excellent math, technology & science programs, as well as small class sizes, individualized instruction, athletic programs & after-school care. Please schedule a tour to learn more about our programs and extra-curricular activities. Phone: (865) 483-9700.
