Thornwell School for the Arts named DCSD Annual Wellness Champion

Darlington County School District (DCSD) celebrated nine schools and their wellness efforts recently as part of Healthy Me – Healthy SC, a partnership between Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). The annual “competition” to promote healthy learning saw Thornwell School for the Arts named the annual champion.
During the 2024-2025 school year, nine DCSD schools earned wellness awards because of their participation in MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness (BCCW) School-based Wellness Initiative. Since 2010, the BCCW has supported schools in creating healthy learning environments through participation in the school-based Wellness Initiative across the state.
The Initiative works with schools to create a culture of wellness by providing direct support and motivation for K-12 schools and districts as they implement evidence-based policy, system, and environmental strategies targeting improved nutrition, increased physical activity, enhanced social emotional wellness for both students and staff.
During the school year Thornwell focuses on successfully implementing numerous healthy activities in the school. Those activities included walking to school, a water challenge, nutrition updates, staff weight loss challenge, aquaponics, a school garden, studying embryology, taste tests, recess prior to lunch and more. 
"Winning the MUSC Wellness Award is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to creating a healthy, balanced, and thriving environment for both students and staff,” said Janice Dargan, Thornwell principal. “It reflects our belief that wellness is the foundation for learning, leading, and living well—together we ROAR!”
Participating schools who meet the minimum requirements received a wellness award that can be used to help grow and sustain their wellness initiatives. In total, $11,500 went to DCSD schools for the 2024-2025 school year. Thornwell, the grand prize winner, earned $3,000.
“With support from our community and the dedication of all the participating schools, we are achieving our goal of improving the health and wellness of children by reaching them where they are, in school,” said Dr. Janice Key, MUSC BCCW Founder and Director.
For more information about MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness visit musckids.org/boeingcenter or email boeingcenter@musc.edu.