Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

SUMMERSVILLE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, Summersville, WV
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 three years ago with one county elementary school and now includes nearly every elementary school in the county. Summersville Memorial provides the financial support for the program. 

Who is it for?
Elementary school students in Nicholas County.

Why do they do it?
The goal is to enhance the literacy and physical fitness of the county's youth. 

Contact: Deborah A. Hill
CEO
Telephone: 304-872-8402
Email: dhill@smhwv.org

 

Hospitals in Action