“Perry Plankwalkers” from Perry Local Schools won first place in the 2026 Fall Health Action Council Healthy Kids Step It Up Challenge, an initiative designed to promote wellness, movement, and community among school administrators, educators, and parents.
The first-place team, consisting of Malcolm Battiato, Nick Kuhn, and John Grdina averaged a staggering 909,461 total steps. They earned the Grand Prize: $1,500 for their school towards health and wellness.
The challenge consisted of 248 participants and 45 teams, with a total step count of 65,284,968 and an individual step average of 9,402. By meeting their collective step goal, participants unlocked a $500 donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The theme of the Fall Healthy Kids Step It Up Challenge was Fuel Better. Move More. Inspire Healthier Habits. The challenge encouraged school administrators, educators, and parents to prioritize their own health while setting a positive example for the students and families around them. Weekly nutrition and movement mini challenges helped participants fuel their bodies, build healthy habits that support lifelong well-being, and have fun, all while inspiring the next generation to do the same.
“We’re so proud of all of our teams this fall,” said Patty Starr, President & CEO of Health Action Council. “It’s our responsibility to look after the younger generations, and that starts with setting examples of how to create healthy habits. Our participants did a wonderful job of getting active and modeling good habits for students.”
“Watch us Shine” from Perry Local Schools finished second place, with a team made up of Kayla Rackovan, Ashley Keene, and Jenn Zack. The team averaged 582,136 total steps and won $1,250 for their school towards health and wellness.
Third place winners were “Progress Monitoring” from William Rainey Harper School, which included members Julia King, Katie Zeitz, Sean Mccue, Ryan Audley, and Samantha Lehman. The team averaged 575,042 total steps and received $1,000 for their school towards health and wellness.
Finishing fourth place was “LHS Girls Athletic Association” from Lancaster City Schools, with a team made up of Rob Allen, Dianna Galadyk, Harper Allen, Allison Kinniard, and Teresa Tripp. Their team averaged 555,495 total steps, winning $750 for their school towards health and wellness.
In fifth place came “Charging a Commotion” from Edison Local School District. The team consisted of Kathy Smith, Bev Proctor, and Tiffany Caponi and averaged 520,382 total steps. For a fifth place finish they were awarded $500 for their school towards health and wellness.
Throughout the challenge, individual participants were rewarded for their engagement in weekly nutrition and movement mini challenges:
- October 13: Emily Avers (Elmwood Local Schools) – Teak Wooden Utensil and Cooking Apron Set
- October 15: Cheska Haller (Walnut Twp Local School District) – Pro Vegetable Chopper & Mandoline Slicer, 10-in-
- October 19: Tina Stoner (Millersport Elementary) – Bake It Healthy Cookbook and Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons Set
- October 21: Stephanie Rose (Elmwood Local Schools) – Eddie Bauer 20L Stowaway Packable Backpack
- October 23: Nicole Greenberg (Millersport Elementary School) – Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- October 28: Andrea Levine (Edison Local School District) – Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set
- November 2: Brittany Matlock (Richmond Heights Schools) – Hot Apple Cider Gift Set
- November 4: Karen Weaver (Riverside Local Schools) – Premium Yoga Mat
- November 9: Donna Apanasewicz (Richmond Heights Local Schools) – Ninja Blast Portable Blender
Register for the Spring Challenge
Gear up for our 2027 Spring Healthy Kids Step It Up Challenge (March 29 – April 25). Keep up the momentum toward building healthy habits for the rest of the school year.
Registration: Register here!
Inquiries: Noelle Bis at [email protected]