By MICHAEL FEELY

Staff Writer

AtlantiCare’s Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program recently recognized Christine Ortolf, Brigantine Elementary School nurse, and Mindy Pomatto, a health and physical education teacher at the school, with its Healthy Educator Award for 2011.

They were recognized along with Kimbra Goodwin of Egg Harbor Township for outstanding efforts to promote wellness, healthy living, good nutrition and the importance of physical activity to students of all ages.

 “We believe the foundation for lifelong health begins at an early age,” said Samantha Kiley Ficcaglia, health promotion program director for AtlantiCare. “Mindy, Christine and Kimbra are committed to building healthy communities. They each motivate students, their families and staff. They are helping students embrace healthy behaviors that will impact them into adulthood.”

“Mindy and Chrissy are richly deserving of the award,” said Brigantine Elementary School Principal Don Marrandino. “They have initiated a health and fitness program for our students that earned county, state and national recognition.”

 The program, called Get Yourself Moving (GYM), earned the school a New Jersey Best Practice Award for health and physical education along with a 2011 National School of Character Award.

“Mrs. Pomatto and Mrs. Ortolf were also selected by Horizon of New Jersey to present their program to doctors and health professionals at a national conference,” Marrandino said. 

AtlantiCare selected winners based on nominations from their colleagues. Each winner was awarded a certificate, a massage, and a personal training session at the AtlantiCare LifeCenter in Egg Harbor Township.

AtlantiCare also made a $100 donation in each winner’s name to her school’s wellness programming.

Through its partnership with Atlantic County schools, AtlantiCare Health Engagement’s Healthy Schools Healthy Children Program assists schools and districts with the implementation of fitness and nutrition policies and makes resources available to schools, students and parents.

Learn more at www.atlanticare.org.