Wallace A Smith Elementary cuts the ribbon on a new walking track funded by Erlanger and Kohl’s
Posted on 09/05/2019
Principal Dodds cuts the ribbon to open the new trackWallace A. Smith Elementary School held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony recently in celebration of the new walking track for students and staff funded by a grant from Erlanger and Kohl’s. Guests include Children’s Hospital of Erlanger officials, Kohl’s representatives, parents, and people from the community.

Erlanger received a $240,000 grant, over a two-year period, from Kohl's to fight childhood obesity through its “Let's Get Moving” campaign. The campaign features the “Let's Get on Track” school system competition for a new walking track and family fun nights to teach children and parents tips and strategies to live healthy lifestyles.

The “Let's Get on Track” competition within the Hamilton County school system encouraged students to increase their activity levels. Wallace A. Smith Elementary School won the competition for logging the most hours of physical activity to receive the new walking track.

"Obesity is the most prevalent disease affecting our children today, and must receive high priority given the severity of associated illnesses those affected face throughout their lifetime," said Dr. Joani Jack, pediatrician, Children's Hospital at Erlanger CHEAL clinic. "We know that physical activity helps prevent and manage childhood obesity, as well as benefiting children of all ages. Through the generosity of Kohl's, we can provide lifelong health benefits for the children in our region."

Kohl's commitment to Erlanger is made possible through Kohl's Cares. When customers purchase $5 books and coordinating plush toys, 100 percent of the net profit is donated to organizations that improve family health and wellness, including hospital partnerships like Erlanger. Since 2000, Kohl’s has raised nearly $360 million through the merchandise program.


Photo: Sharon Dodds, principal of Wallace A. Smith Elementary, friends from Kohl’s and Erlanger, Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, and Dr. Steve Highlander, the Hamilton County Board of Education member from the ninth district, cut the ribbon to the new Wallace A. Smith walking track.