Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

11/26/07

NEWS RELEASE
Pioneer Elementary's Debra Gary Wins
Washington Health Foundation Award

On November, 17, Debra Gary, principal of Pioneer Elementary School, was awarded the Washington Health Foundation’s (WHF) 2007 Hero of Health for Healthy Systems at WHF’s Heroes of Health Crystal Gala.

Debra Gary’s design and implementation of a Coordinated School Health Program at Pioneer Elementary School has helped children better engage in healthy habits including nutrition and exercise. The program’s ultimate goal is to continue to close the achievement gap.

Two other awards were presented at the gala including Governor Christine Gregoire’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the City of Dayton’s Healthy Living Award.

The WHF Healthiest State in the Nation campaign is dedicated to making Washington the healthiest state in the nation.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at (253) 931-4713.