From staff reports

OXFORD -- Granville Health System will sponsor the 2009 Kids Living Healthy Art Contest at Butner-Stem Elementary School.

The program was launched this week.

Granville Health CEO Lee Isley met with hundreds of Butner-Stem Elementary students on Monday to announce that Granville Health System physician Joanne Fruth and her Butner medical practice, South Granville Primary Care, will host the program.

The contest is a wellness initiative designed to encourage students and their families to live healthy lifestyles. Students will be challenged to select themes such as nutrition, exercise or other ways to stay healthy and illustrate their ideas through individual pieces of art. Each child will have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes by sketching or coloring their way towards healthy living.

"... This is a fantastic opportunity for our students," said Gus Gillespie, Butner-Stem principal.

The program will consist of 3 levels of participation: Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade; second and third grades; and fourth and fifth grades. Prizes will include certificates, ribbons, gift cards and savings bonds.

"Health, nutrition and fitness should always play important roles in the lives of our students and their families. This new program provides a fun and creative approach to learning," Isley said.

Winners will be announced during an open house gallery showing for students and their families at South Granville Primary Care, 317 Central Avenue in Butner, on Oct. 13.