Military Leader Visits One of America's Healthiest Schools in Los Angeles

Innovative Efforts at Rosa Parks Learning Center Result in Healthier Outcomes for Students

Rear Admiral Tim Sullivan, Ret., U.S. Coast Guard met with students and staff at Rosa Parks Learning Center on Friday, December 1st to see how access to healthy meals and increased physical education is helping students perform better in the classroom.

Administrators at Rosa Park Learning Center are meeting or exceeding federal nutrition standards for school meals and snacks.

Fresh fruit, cereal and yogurt are offered to elementary students at Rosa Parks Elementary School in Los Angeles, California.

“We visited Rosa Parks Learning Center to see first-hand the innovative steps students and school leaders are taking to eat healthy meals, engage in daily physical activity, and pursue evidence-based wellness policies,” said Rear Admiral Sullivan.

This year, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation recognized Rosa Parks Learning Center as one of “America’s Healthiest Schools” and awarded it the 2017 National Healthy Schools Bronze Award for their outstanding efforts. Rosa Parks Learning Center, one of only 323 schools nationwide to be named one of the country’s healthiest schools, achieved this recognition for meeting or exceeding federal nutrition standards for school meals and snacks, implementing a district wellness policy, providing students with at least 60 minutes of physical education per week, and promoting physical activity each school day.

Site visit with RADM Sullivan at LAUSD's Rosa Parks Learning Center in North Hills, Los Angeles.

California State Director Jake Ferreira, Principal Miriam King and retired Rear Admiral Tim Sullivan pose in front of community garden at Rosa Parks Learning Center.

“I am so proud of the students, faculty and entire community at Rosa Parks Learning Center for being recognized with the 2017 National Healthy Schools Bronze Award,” said Principal Miriam King. “We know that schools like ours are essential settings for establishing healthy eating and daily physical activity as the norm, and not the exception, for students.”