South Live Oak Elementary Receives Louisiana Physical Activity Award
BATON ROUGE, La. – South Live Oak Elementary has been awarded the Louisiana School Physical Activity Award by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) for championing health and wellness through an innovative, inclusive physical education program.
Ashley Bond, the school’s physical education teacher, was recognized by BESE for her leadership in the school’s efforts at a May 2025 ceremony at the Louisiana Old State Capitol.
Bond developed a physical education program that focuses on physical activity, healthy choices and wellness. Her program encourages family engagement through at-home fitness challenges for students and after-school family activities that allow parents to participate in physical activities with their students.
“South Live Oake is proudly leading the way in student fitness, wellness education and school-wide movement culture,” BESE stated in its award presentation.
In the state’s presentation, South Live Oak’s program was described as “innovative” in its approach to promoting lifelong fitness, noting that students are introduced to healthy food choices through a Pick a Better Snack Program, while programs like Mileage Mondays, the EZScan Running Club and Wellness Wednesdays teach healthy habits and track progress with fun incentives.
Special events at the school include Jump Rope for Heart, the March of Dimes 1-mile walk, and a Color Run. Community and family involvement shine through kickball tournaments, fitness challenges, family nights and after-school clubs. The program supports all students with adaptive strategies and guidance from APE teachers.
Staff wellness is also a focus on activities such as after-school workouts and Anything Goes, a field-day type activity in which teachers and students participate.