The Milbank School District staff completed its third annual 12-week “Walk Around The World” walking challenge. “The employees worked with Sanford Health to encourage... Milbank School District Employees Take On Challenge

The Milbank School District staff completed its third annual 12-week “Walk Around The World” walking challenge. “The employees worked with Sanford Health to encourage all staff to live a healthier life,” stated Kathy Sussex, committee member.

“Last year the district adopted the vision statement, Bulldogs for Better Living. The goal is to create a work environment that promotes healthy behaviors and reduces chronic disease risk. Wellness is not just the absence of disease, it includes fostering an increased sense of well being for all employees, leading to greater happiness and vitality, less stress and greater productivity at work.”

Eighty-three district staff members took part in this year’s challenge, compared to 80 last year. There were 42 participants from Koch School and 38 from the middle school/high school. The group walked a total of 27,682 miles – an increase from 21,677 miles walked last year.

Koch_walkers_2016Winners of the challenge at Koch School were Josie Hanson (803 miles), Becky Johnson (694 miles), and Mark Keeton (635 miles).

Walking_team (1)Middle school/high school winners were Kathy Sussex (682 miles), Kris Evje (603 miles), Jim Dahl (565 miles), and Brad Olson (576 miles). The top five walkers received a one-hour massage to Healthy Kneads or Tranquil Touch Massage. Sixty-five additional staff members walked at least 150 miles and will be awarded a t-shirt. A drawing was held to award additional rewards. Prizes included gift certificates to Unity Square, Ol’ Mill Meats, Berens Warehouse Groceries and Hartman’s Family Foods, and cookbooks and other health-enhancing books.
Sanford Health provided various speakers and took part in teacher in-services to share insight on relevant topics. The local wellness committee also arranged for a wellness screening for all employees during the January in-service. Other committee members include chairman Nancy Meyer, Katie Gilmore, Tammy Mielitz, Nancy Quade, and Hether Voeltz.

Staff Writer

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