Recently, 17 Madison County Schools applied for a grant offered by PE4Life. The grant will benefit the district in their participation in improving physical education and student nutrition.

With a grant amounting from $100,000 to $750,000, the county schools will implement new physical education curriculum including the Farristown Middle School which is scheduled to open in fall at Berea.

The 2010 Physical Education Program is a part of the Carol White Education Program. The PE4Life is a national non-profit organization which awards millions of dollars to schools and community-based organizations in promoting and improving physical and health education.

PE4life envisions a country healthy children and youth by increasing access to quality physical education solutions through and interactive and fun way. PE4Life offers professional development to educators and school administrators desiring for change and enhancement to their school and communities.

Madison County along with its administrators is looking forward to be included in the grantees this year despite being unfavorable last year. The county is confident to be chosen because of grant writer Artie Kamiya. According to Todd, Kamiya understands the mechanics and nature of the grant with its 30 years of experience. Kamiya is a retired P.E. teacher which they believe gives them a 33 percent success rate.

The county is also heavily supported by its central board office at laying the groundwork for coordinated school health which is the main concern of the grant for this year. Madison county schools have been extensively laying ground work on physical activity and nutrition which they believe is their ace and the key in winning the grant.

Despite the grant outcome, Madison County will still continue their mission in enhancing physical education, nutrition and health. And will still focus and put heavy attention on wellness and will always act as a supportive educational institute along with its administration.