Healthy NewsWorks has grown to become one of the best student-written health initiatives, a fact recently recognized by the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, writes Rita Giordano for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Students from Highland Park Elementary in Upper Darby have been participating in the project for several years, and according to their teacher Leslie Isaacs, it has had a very positive effect on them.

Former journalist Marian Uhlman started the program 13 years ago with one class in one school, but it soon grew to cover 28 area elementary and middle schools.

Healthy NewsWorks has now published more than 300 health newspapers featuring students’ stories and artwork. The student journalists, working mostly in teams, have covered many important subjects, including bullying, quality of water, heart health, and savvy internet use.

“They have this light from within because they want to help the world,” said Uhlman.

In recognition of this, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia has honored Healthy NewsWorks with its 2016 Organizational Public Health Recognition Award.

“It’s a great honor to receive this recognition from the College of Physicians for the work our students do in raising health awareness and understanding in their schools and communities,” said Uhlman.

Read more about Healthy NewsWorks at in the Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.