By JIM HORN, Assistant Director, LRTC

Dr. Patrick O’Neill, principal of Lewiston High School, is participating in a unique six-month program sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield called Healthy Communities Principal Challenge. The goal is to improve the personal health of six Maine high school principals (at Lewiston, South Portland, Thornton Academy, Morse, Greely, and Bonney Eagle), and the health of their staff and students through competition. The principal and high school finishing the challenge in first place will receive $2,500 to purchase fitness or health-related equipment for their school.

Each month there is an assigned goal area and suggested activities. At the end of each month, principals submit sheets describing personal and school accomplishments in each activity area. A review team at Anthem Blue Cross awards points or stars, and monthly results are posted. O’Neill and Lewiston High School came in third in July, first in August, and tied for first place in September.

Stress management was the goal for October. For the activity called Stressless Wednesdays, the Student Council selected five different themes, one for each Wednesday. The four classes and staff were challenged to see which could record the greatest number of participants dressing up according to the theme of the day. The number of participants grew each week. As of October 29, the staff was leading by a small margin.

The theme for November is Nutrition, and for December it is Giving Back to the Community. Events are being planned for both November and December that will inspire participation so O’Neill and Lewiston High School can stay in first place and win this challenge.