Gwinnett Daily Post

Special Photo Students at Peachtree Elementary got free eye exams recently after Kids Vision for Life visited the Title I school.

Centerville student is Falcons MVP

SNELLVILLE -- The Atlanta Falcons have named a young girl from Centerville Elementary School a 2012 First Down for Fitness MVP.

Samantha Smith, a fourth-grade student, will be recognized during pregame ceremonies Sunday before the Falcons vs. Cardinals game.

The Atlanta Falcons First Down for Fitness program, presented by Kimberly-Clark Professional, is a three-month program designed to challenge third through seventh grade students through the state of Georgia to participate in fitness activities and lead healthy lifestyles.

The incentive-based program rewards participants for being active five days a week for at least 60 minutes a day.

The 11 Atlanta Falcons First Down for Fitness MVPs, including Smith, were nominated by their teachers and selected from 52,000 students in the program. MVPs were selected based on participation in physical fitness activities at least 60 minutes, five day a week and maintaining health eating habits. Each winner will receive special apparel during pre-game ceremonies.

Peachtree Elementary kids get free glasses

NORCROSS -- Peachtree Elementary School was chosen as the first school in the state of Georgia to benefit from the Kids Vision for Life program, which is a joint partnership between the Alcon Foundation the Essilor Foundation.

A Title I school, about 80 percent of its students receive free and reduced lunch.

The program identified children who need glasses with a free screening and paid for glasses for those in need.

The initial screening of about 1,700 children was conducted in October in partnership with Prevent Blindness Georgia staff and volunteers. The following week, KVFL brought optometrists to the school over three days to further screen children who did not pass the initial eye chart exam.

For more information about the Kids Vision for Life Program, visit www.kidsvisionforlife.org.

Frank Reddy writes about education. Good News from Schools appears in the Sunday edition of the Daily Post.