Three schools in Brock Township are among those that have received an award from the Durham Region Health Department.

Brock High School, Sunderland Public School and Holy Family Catholic School in Beaverton were recently recognized with a Healthy School Award,

“Over the past 10 years, public health nurses from Durham Region Health Department have worked closely with school communities to promote health and well-being and have offered Durham Region schools the Healthy School Award,” reads a media release.

The award recognizes schools that create an environment supportive to health and well-being and that encourage students, educators and parents to adopt lifelong healthy living behaviours such as healthy eating, physical activity, substance-free living and the promotion of positive mental health.

“Education and health are closely linked. Good health supports successful learning and successful learning supports health,” said Yemisi Aladesua, public health nurse with the health department.

“Healthy schools provide health education in the curriculum, support student engagement and leadership, and develop partnerships with parents and community partners. The healthy school approach promotes a positive school climate and supports school plans to improve student achievement.”

This year, 131 schools were nominated to receive the Healthy School Award; this includes 82 schools from Durham District School Board, 30 schools from Durham Catholic District School Board, eight schools from Kawartha Pine Ridge District School board, five schools from Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, four French schools and two private schools.

“The Health Department is proud to celebrate the schools throughout our community that have made health and well-being a priority,” said Aladesua.

“We will continue to support and encourage all Durham Region schools to work towards creating healthy environments to benefit students, staff, parents and guardians within the school community.”