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Sheridan High School Team Places Fourth in Statewide Healthy Kids Challenge
"The History of Math in the Civil War" team competes in Health Action Council's Step It Up Challenge, promoting wellness through movement an
SHERIDAN, Ohio — A team from Northern Local Schools’ Sheridan High School earned fourth place in the Spring 2026 Health Action Council Healthy Kids Step It Up Challenge, demonstrating a strong commitment to health, wellness and leading by example for students.
Competing under the team name “The History of Math in the Civil War,” participants Katie Huffman, Adam Huffman and Chris Walters logged an impressive 512,382 total steps during the four-week challenge. Their efforts earned $750 for their school to support health and wellness initiatives.
The Healthy Kids Step It Up Challenge is a free program that encourages school staff to track daily steps, promote healthy habits and model active lifestyles for students while competing for funding and rewards.
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This year’s challenge, themed “Adventure Destinations and Wellness Tips,” brought together 274 participants across 39 teams, who collectively recorded more than 78.5 million steps. Along the way, participants engaged in themed mini challenges designed to encourage physical activity, stress relief and long-term wellness.
Top honors went to “The Walking Bread” from Boulder Valley School District, which averaged 776,791 steps to earn the $1,500 grand prize. “Watch Us Shine” from Perry Local Schools placed second with 710,937 steps, followed by the LHS Girls Athletic Association from Lancaster City Schools in third with 598,294 steps.
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Fifth place was awarded to “Step Getters,” a combined team representing Boulder Valley Schools, Edon Northwest Schools and Riverside Schools, with 425,082 steps.
“We’re always impressed by the turnout we receive for the Healthy Kids Challenge every season,” said Patty Starr, president and CEO of Health Action Council. “As role models, it’s our responsibility to encourage and inspire healthy lifestyles for the next generation.”
Sponsored by CBIZ, the Healthy Kids Step It Up Challenge continues to grow, reinforcing that building healthy habits is an ongoing journey—one that educators and school communities are embracing together.