Ten Utah educators were recently named recipients of Select Health’s Brain Boost Body Awards. The Brain Boost Body Awards recognize educators who are making a difference in the lives of students by helping them work towards building healthy habits, leading to the cultivation of long-term well-being.

The recognized educators, who teach a grade level between K-6, are awarded for their exceptional integration of physical, mental and emotional wellness into everyday learning. Each recipient is given a $1,000 award for classroom supplies, fitness equipment and other tools that promote student health.

“Educators play a vital role in shaping lifelong wellness habits,” Kimberly Ruiz said, Select Health community relations coordinator. “The Brain Body Boost Awards celebrate teachers who are helping students build healthy routines early — supporting not just academic success, but long-term healthy habits.”

Two of those recipients were Rochelle Deteer at Hartvigsen School and Devree Gassman at Bennion Junior High. 

Developing healthy habits early in life is crucial for establishing long-term health and wellness, and students who learn to care for their physical, mental and emotional health at a young age tend to have better health outcomes in adulthood. Through their Brain Boost Body Awards, Select Health honors educators that encourage their students to set personal health goals, practice mindfulness and develop an understanding of how healthy choices often informs overall quality of life.

Teachers are nominated by peers, administrators, parents of students or community members. Nominees are then selected based on their demonstrated student impact, creative approach when teaching wellness and dedication to promoting health education in the classroom. A review committee evaluates the nominated educators, ultimately selecting ten recipients from across the state.

One of this year’s recipients was Nibley Park’s Seth Orme. As a physical education teacher, by nature, Orme’s work greatly aids in helping students foster a sense of health and wellbeing. Orme’s contribution comes at a critical time, as physical education coursework requirements have been rapidly phasing out of many institutions from kindergarten to university. A study from Oregon State University’s College of Health revealed that while 97% of 6th grade students are enrolled in some sort of physical education class, by 12th grade that number decreases to 43%.

 The same Oregon State study stated that only 21% of students (ages 6-17) in the United States are meeting the recommended 60 minutes of physical daily activity. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that participating in 60 minutes of daily physical activity is key for promoting long-term cardiovascular function, building muscular health and maintaining a healthy weight.

The CDC also states that “some benefits of physical activity for brain health happen right after a session of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Benefits include improved thinking or cognition for children 6 to 13 and reduced short-term feelings of anxiety for adults. Regular physical activity can help keep your thinking, learning and judgment skills sharp as you age. It can also reduce your risk of depression and anxiety and help you sleep better.”

Overall, it’s educators like Orme who are making a difference in the lives of our youngest citizens, helping them understand that when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to integrate all aspects of overall well-being which includes physical, emotional and mental.