An after-school boxing program at a Fairfax County school recently received grant funding through the 2024 Healthy Kids initiative of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.
Cedar Lane School received a grant to allow members of the school’s boxing club to have nutritious food before being transported off-site to participate in the weekly after-school club activity.
Over the course of 14 years, the Healthy Kids Grants effort has awarded more than $200,000 in support of healthy lifestyles through increased exercise, balanced nutrition and constructive mental-health practices.
Grants of up to $2,000 also were presented to schools in Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.
At Smart’s Mill Middle School in Loudoun, funding will support a mental-health “Zen Den” sensory environment with dim lighting, calming sounds and music, and comfortable seating.
“Thank you so much for helping us,” said Devon Basco of Smart’s Middle. “We can’t wait for this space to be up and running so teachers are able to instruct students who are more present and ‘online’ for learning and so that our student body can practice healthy coping skills.”
