BY PARKS KUGLE
Student Ambassador program breakdown
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Zooming in
Bottiglieri said one of the most important aspects of the MFC is creating pathways to award people for healthy habits. “There’s nobody that’s awarding anyone for the good work that they’re doing. MFC is trying to fill that void,” Bottiglieri said. To fill this gap, the MFC holds multiple events that highlight and celebrate San Antonians who have made contributions toward a healthier community. One such event is the annual breakfast held in December, which celebrates organizations and individuals. The MFC also participates in the annual Community Challenge from the nonprofit Healthier Texas. San Antonio has won the Metro first place prize for nine out of 12 years and won the state championship two years in a row, including in 2024. The 2025 competition will run from Jan. 13-March 9.
Bottiglieri said the Student Ambassador initiative is MFC’s flagship program. Sponsored by Metro Health, the program was created in 2011 and launched in 2012, and accepts students from grades 6-11. The program runs for a year and a half in total. These students represent the MFC and imple- ment health-related service projects. The program teaches skills such as planning, negotiation tactics and how to bring a plan to fruition. Recently, the program graduated its 12th cohort and launched its 13th. After a student graduates the program, they become student mentors that help guide newer cohorts. Additionally, the MFC expanded the program to include fifth grade students as junior student ambassadors. “At the end of the day with the kids, I’m really concerned about growing healthy leaders for San Antonio,” Bottiglieri said.
Student mentors (8th-12th grade)
43 program graduates
12th leadership cohort (6th-11th grade)
42 student ambassadors 31 school campuses 10 Bexar County school districts
13th leadership cohort (6th-10th grade) Junior ambassadors (5th grade only) 20 junior ambassadors 10 elementary school campuses 1 Bexar County school district 55 student ambassadors 25 campuses 7 Bexar County school districts
SOURCE: MAYOR’S FITNESS COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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