Bonny Eagle High School Principal Sheila Jepson has taken on the challenge, 2003 Healthy Communities "Principal" Challenge. The program is sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for principals and schools to become more physically fit. The purpose of the program is to encourage fun, exciting, and friendly competition through actions that increase awareness of healthy lifestyle alternatives.

Participants include high school principals from the surrounding Greater Portland area. The principals were chosen because they are well known and respected individuals in the community and are the foundation for school-based healthy lifestyle information.

Principal Jepson works on her September Principal's Challenge of Strength and Flexibility by lifting weights.

The challenge for the month of September is Strength and Flexibility. One of the month's challenges was for the principal to participate in gym class. Principal Sheila Jepson stretches with students Nick Ruby and Amanda Frost in John Sutties' class after a run around the gym.

The principals will have different areas for healthy lifestyles to focus on for six months. July - Personal Exploration; August - Healthy Lungs; September - Strength and Flexibility; October - Stress Management; November - Nutrition; and December - Giving back to the Community.

The participants will be awarded "stars" on a monthly basis. A panel will meet once a month with trainers to determine the number of stars awarded. Stars will be given based on activities completed.

The winner will be the principal who accumulated the most points over the six month program and will receive a check for $2,500 for his/her high school to purchase an exercise/health item.

Principal Jepson is working on the challenge for November which is nutrition. She spent time at lunch sharing a "veggie platter" with Bonny Eagle High School students.

Press and Photo Release September 2003
Photo by Kathy Campbell