“The Walking Bread” from Boulder Valley School District won first place in the 2026 Spring Health Action Council Healthy Kids Step It Up Challenge, an initiative designed to promote wellness, movement, and community among school staff.

The team, consisting of John Mascarenas, April Servold, Carrie Jentz, Crystal Martinez, and Silas Goldstein averaged a staggering 776,791 total steps. They earned the Grand Prize: $1,500 for their school towards health and wellness.

Sponsored by CBIZ, the challenge consisted of 274 participants and 39 teams, with a total step count of 78,511,592 and an individual step average of 10,234. The theme was adventure destinations, complete with mountains, rainforest, beaches, deserts, beaches, and cityscapes. The challenge presented participants with a variety of mini challenges that encouraged physical activity, healthy habits, stress relief, and fun, all while reinforcing that fitness is not a single achievement, but an ongoing journey.

“We’re always impressed by the turnout we receive for the Healthy Kids challenge every season,” said Patty Starr, President & CEO of Health Action Council. “As role models, it’s our responsibility to encourage and inspire healthy lifestyles for the next generation. Step It Up does exactly that, while giving schools a chance to raise money at the same time.”

“Watch us shine” from Perry Local Schools finished second place, with a team made up of Kayla Rackovan, Summer Brainard, and Jenn Zack. The team averaged 710,937 total steps and won $1,250 for their school towards health and wellness.

Third place winners were “LHS Girls Athletic Association” from Lancaster City Schools, which included members Jim Day, Allen Rob, Dianna Galadyk, Allison Kinniard, and Teresa Tripp. The team averaged 598,294 total steps and received $1,000 for their school towards health and wellness.

Finishing fourth place was “The History of Math in the Civil War” from Northern Local Schools - Sheridan High School, with a team made up of Katie Huffman, Adam Huffman, and Chris Walters. Their team averaged 512,382 total steps, winning $750 for their school towards health and wellness.

In fifth place came “Step Getters” from Boulder Valley Schools, Edon Northwest Schools, and Riverside Schools. The team consisted of Michael Moore, Bobbie Repp, and Ali Vanek and averaged 425,082 total steps. For a fifth place finish they were awarded $500 for their school towards health and wellness.

“We’re incredibly proud of everyone who signed up this Spring to build healthy habits and inspire their students,” said Starr. “Every challenge raises the bar higher and higher, and this was no exception.”

In addition, Ohio Prizes for $1,000 went to:

• “BEVS” from Bluffton Exempted Village Schools, representing Northwest OHSAA District with 566,835 average total steps. Team members included Jaime Combs, Heidi Steiner, Julie Garmatter, Nicole Anderson, Brandie Bogart, Ryan Dunlap, Lauren Huelsman, Rachel Skilliter, Robin Ault, Emily Ellerbrock, and Joanna Gratz.
• “Perry Plankwalkers” from Perry Local Schools, representing Northeast OHSAA District with 501,264 average total steps. The team consisted of Malcolm Battiato, Amanda Osburn, John Grdina, Elisha Eppich, Chris Basich, and Carol Cuevas.

Throughout the journey, individual participants were rewarded for their engagement in themed destination mini challenges:

Base Camp Balance: Jen Burden (Waynesfield Goshen Local Schools) – $20 Starbucks gift card

Rainforest Recharge: Cathee Mulcahy (Richmond Heights Schools) – Kettlebell 4-Piece Set

Spring Meadow Escape: Emily Tyll (Waynesfield Goshen Local Schools) – $25 Amazon gift card

Mountain Momentum: Amanda Hughes (Pickerington Local SD) – Gaiam Yoga Mat

Ocean Tidal Flow: Silas Goldstein (Boulder Valley SD) – $25 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card

Desert Trek: Amy Facemire (Edison Local Schools) – Owala FreeSip Water Bottle

Arctic Expedition: Kari-Ellen Organiscak (Richmond Heights Schools) – $20 Starbucks gift card

Volcano Venture: Amanda Osburn (Perry Local Schools) – Essential Oil Diffuser/Salt Lamp

Ocean Floor Dive: Patty Cerny (Wickliffe City SD) – Sea Turtle Glassware

Urban Odyssey: Whitney Bickel (Edison Local Schools) – $20 Starbucks gift card

Register for the Fall Challenge

Gear up for our 2026 Fall Healthy Kids Step It Up Challenge running from October 12 to November 8, 2026. Keep up the momentum toward building healthy habits for the new school year.

Registration: Register here by October 8!

Inquiries: Noelle Bis at [email protected]

About Health Action Council

Health Action Council is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization representing mid and large-size employers that enhances human and economic health through thought leadership, innovative services, and collaboration. It provides value to its members by facilitating projects that improve the quality and moderate the cost of healthcare purchased by its members for their employees, dependents, and retirees.

Health Action Council also collaborates with key stakeholders - health plans, physicians, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry - to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare in the community.