The cameras were rolling and the cheers could be heard downtown Brundidge when the announcement was made Tuesday afternoon that Pike County Elementary School is the recipient of a $7,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield Be Healthy School Grant.

The PCES students, grades pre-k through sixth grade, gathered in the school gymnasium for a big announcement but Assistant Principal Rodney Drish left the big news to Jeff Adams, community relations manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

Adams’ announcement of the $7,000 grant was met with resounding cheers from the students and school faculty.

But, as much as the funds are appreciated, Adams said the greatest thing about the grant is that it fosters greater awareness of the importance of beginning a healthy lifestyle at a young age.

“I want to ask you to do three important things,” Allen said. “One, get outside and play, exercise. Two, care about your health. Eat healthier foods. Eat less sodas and potato chips. And, thirdly, study hard and listen to your instructors.”

The collective response was that the students would, indeed, work toward being healthier young people.

Drish told the students the grant funds will be used to build a rock climbing wall in the school gymnasium to help fulfill the school’s commitment to a healthier body and also a greenhouse for growing produce to promote healthier eating.”

Drish gave credit to a former physical education aide Teresa Pryor for her dedication to the promotion of healthier lifestyle among young students and her efforts in securing the Blue Cross Blue Shield Be Healthy School Grant.

Justin Cope, PCES teacher and coach, also received a Blue Cross Blue Shield grant in the amount of $500 for professional development.

The PCES Blue Cross Blue Shield Be Healthy School Grant presentation was taped in a TV commercial format and will be aired, time to be announced.

The students were reminded by Adams that it’s not what others do that contributes to a healthy life style, “It’s what you do. The efforts you make lead to a healthy life.”

Brundidge Mayor Isabell Boyd and Council Members Byron Gaynor and Chris Foster and State Representative Wes Allen attended the presentation. All expressed appreciation to Blue Cross Blue Shield for the Be Healthy School Grant presented by Adams and his assistants. They also congratulated the PCES students and faculty for their commitment to healthy lifestyles.