Summersville Memorial Hospital - Marathon Scholars

What is it?

The Marathon Scholars program challenges students to read 26 books and walk/run 26 miles in the school year. If they succeed, they receive a T-shirt and a medal for their achievement. The family physician who first envisioned the program works with a physical fitness enthusiast in the community and the hospital’s Director of Support Services to perform entertaining, educational skits for the students to motivate them. The group visits the schools several times during the year for encouragement. The Marathon Scholars program started in 2004 with one county elementary school and now includes every elementary school in the county. The program has been expanded to include all elementary schools in neighboring Webster County and two elementary schools in Fayette County. Summersville Regional Medical Center provides the financial support for the program.

In 2013 the hospital added a nutritional component to the program. With the rising concern and occasion of childhood obesity confirmed on the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment, this seemed a worthy addition.

Who is it for?

Elementary school students in Nicholas County, Webster County, and the northern part of Fayette County.

Why do they do it?

The goal is to enhance the literacy and physical fitness of area youth.

Impact

The Marathon Scholars program touches the lives of 3,000 children in the hospital’s service area each year.

Contact: Deborah A. Hill
Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: 304-872-8402
E-mail: dhill@smhwv.org