Back in 1986, Ray Olsen and Frank Styduhar used to truck exercise equipment from Hickory High School to Hermitage Elementary School in the mornings, then haul it back again in the afternoons.

Thus began the middle school's student fitness program.

Over the years, the middle school has acquired its own equipment -- with the help of grants from the Artman Foundation -- and held programs such as open gym.

With a $15,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the school will formalize its offerings by creating before-school and afterschool programs in the P.A.C.E. Express wellness program. P.A.C.E. stands for Positive Attitudes Create Enthusiasm.

Highmark said it started the "Challenge for Healthier Schools" program to promote health and fitness in schools and combat childhood obesity, which is "increasing at alarming rates."

Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes and other problems.

"Research is pointing out the earlier you can intervene with the kids, the healthier they'll be," said Olsen, a health teacher and writer of the grant.

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