Lewiston High School’s principal and five other Maine high school leaders have been challenged to lead healthier lives and teach their students how to do the same.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced a six-month-long contest Wednesday that dares high school principals from Lewiston, South Portland, Saco, Cumberland, Bath and Standish to exercise more, eat right, try new activities, manage stress and volunteer in the community.
Principals earn stars for creativity, effort and getting their students involved. The principal with the most stars wins $2,500 to buy fitness equipment for his or her school.
Anthem officials hope the contest will get more Maine kids interested in living healthy.
“Early lifestyle habits dictate what will happen later,” said Anthem spokesman Bill Cohen.
According to Cohen, Maine leads the country in obesity and smoking.
Contest participants will get suggested activities for each month and will have the opportunity to work with a personal trainer. It will be up to the principals to find ways to get their schools involved.
The principals’ challenge began this summer and will end in December.
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