Celebrating their efforts to engage their communities in healthy lifestyle habits, the Aultman Ambassador Program recently recognized 121 students from seven area high schools. The recognition ceremony was held last month at R.G. Drage Career Technical Center.

Now in its seventh year, the Aultman Ambassador program was created and launched to lead our communities to improved health by helping youth create healthy habits. During this year’s recognition ceremony, 30 students received Student Ambassador scholarships, and six students received Ambassador of the Year scholarships.

Since its beginning, the Aultman Ambassador Program has partnered with area high schools, colleges and universities. The schools provide advisors for the program participants. An Aultman wellness coordinator supports the schools’ advisors by providing the program’s framework, tools and resources. During the school year, advisors coach the students in the program.

“We empower the students to serve as Aultman Ambassadors to the school,” says Liz Edmunds, executive director of population health at Aultman Hospital. “The students use peer-to-peer mentoring to promote nutritious meals and snacks, hydration, active lifestyles, good sleep habits and stress management.” As part of the program, the Aultman Ambassadors from each school complete an assessment and implement an action plan to influence a culture of health and instill healthy lifestyle habits.

Seven years ago, the Aultman Ambassador program started with just two Stark County schools. The program expanded to seven schools this past year and it is growing again! A total of 14 local schools will be participating for the 2019-2020 school year. The college and university partners include Aultman College, Walsh University, University of Mount Union and Kent State Stark Campus.

Congratulations to the students who promoted healthy lifestyles in their communities, and many thanks to the program partners who helped them!