Wallace-Gregg Takes Top Honor in District Wellness Initiative

Wallace-Gregg Elementary claimed the top honor in this year’s wellness initiative in partnership with MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness (BCCW). The award recognizes an outstanding commitment to building a healthier school community. The school received a surprise visit last Thursday, where they received a check to use toward wellness initiatives next year.

This year, 25 schools across Florence 1 prioritized wellness for their students and staff by participating in the MUSC BCCW’s School-based Wellness Initiative. This statewide initiative targets improved nutrition, increased physical activity, and enhanced social-emotional wellness for both students and staff.

As the grand prize winner, Wallace-Gregg earned $2,000 to support and expand its health and wellness efforts. In total, $26,000 was distributed among 25 schools in the district for the 2024–2025 school year.

“Florence 1 Schools fosters an environment that prioritizes student and staff wellness,” said district lead nurse Beth Holzbach. “We recognize that when our students and staff are well, they are better able to be successful. It has been exciting to see our schools engage in wellness initiatives this year by adopting wellness strategies and activities using the MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness Implementation Tool. I am extremely proud of Wallace Gregg Elementary School. They went over and above on their wellness engagement this year by planning and executing a Wellness Challenge with another school. The month-long challenge included nutrition information, hydration goals and increased physical activity, which included step counting and a student jump rope championship. The friendly competition culminated with a Cook-Off at The Farm and a Family 2K Walk at McLeod Health and Fitness Center.”

Dr. Kathleen Head, Associate Medical Director of MUSC BCCW also states, “F1S is a shining example of creativity in the school wellness space. MUSC is thankful for the district administrators and staff who dedicate their time and talents to actively support our motto: healthy children are better learners. And it shows!”

Since 2010, the MUSC BCCW has supported hundreds of schools across South Carolina in implementing evidence-based strategies to support the whole child. 

“With support from our community and the dedication of all the participating schools, we are achieving our goal of improving the health and wellness of children by reaching them where they are, in school,” said Dr. Key, MUSC BCCW Founder and Medical Director.

Principal Alyssa Leibman credited Wallace-Gregg’s nurse for their success in the School-based Wellness Initiative.

“Nurse Wearne has been instrumental in transforming our wellness community,” Leibman said. “From telehealth to our first family 2K, she has been a cheerleader for our community and its access to exceptional health.”

Learn more about the MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness at musckids.org/boeingcenter or email boeingcenter@musc.edu.