Local schools are slimming down and toning up.

Marcus White heads the Fitness Empowered by Nutrition Communication and Exercise for Students or FENCES and Sports Play and Active Recreation for Kids or SPARK programs, which are the only exercise programs in the state. White said the program is a success and the governor agrees.

“We are hitting 360 degrees of fitness including: nutrition, physical health and what to be aware of,” White said.

Robert Lewis Middle School and Morgantown Elementary students run, lift and exercise for at least one hour every day during school hours. White has also taught them life style changes, such as dieting and low impact exercises. The facilities include 20 treadmills, 10 stationary bikes, 10 elliptical machines and five sets of free-weights as well as a variety of games and sports.

White’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. On May 27, 2006, Gov. Haley Barbour invited White to his mansion where White was awarded the Excellence in Physical Education Certificate. The Governor’s Commission also gives schools a gold silver or bronze ranking based on the amount of effort and time each school sets aside for physical education. Robert Lewis Middle School was given a silver certification.

There are 3,111 students and 488 community parents involved in the school and after school program. Alcorn Nursing students have also stepped in by taking blood pressure weight and other vital signs of all of the participants in order to monitor weight loss and fitness monthly.

“Before the program began, all students were classified as class 1 obese,” White said, “Out of those children, 25 percent have lost weight.”

Morgantown Principal Fred Marsalis has also noticed mood changes and better grades from the children.

“This program has been an inspiration to them,” Marsalis said “The kids are excited about riding the bikes and using the treadmills, it has spurred on a lot of friendly competition.”

Children are learning healthy habits, including an exercise regime.

“The program has been very beneficial because it offers an hour of morning exercise,” Marsalis said.

And Marsalis enjoys the facilities as well.

“I do like to participate in the exercise program when time permits,” Marsalis said.

That is not the only thing the school system has done to create a healthier environment. Many sugary drinks and fried foods have been replaced with water and fruit at the schools, Marsalis said.

“This is just the first step,” White said. “ We are implementing four more centers and we have programs during the summer to keep everyone motivated.”

During the summer, Morgantown and Robert Lewis Middle School will be open to the general public. There will be two aerobic trainers as well as the equipment. Doors will be open Monday through Friday and all services are free.

White admits he could not have done it alone.

“Without the Carol M. White grant, as well as the superintendent and staff I know that this program would not be carried out as well as it has been.”

White is also getting the support of newly signed Mississippi Healthy Students Act that will take effect in July of this year. The law will enforce kindergarten through eighth grade to have 150 minutes of physical activity as well as 45 minutes of health education. Students graduating after 2009 will have to complete a one- half Carnegie unit of physical education before they can graduate. Students will also be urged to make healthy food choices engage in exercise and to abstain from drug use.