City, school receive TSET grants to make improvements

The Board of Directors for the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) on Tuesday approved 36 incentive grants for communities and schools through the TSET Healthy Incentive Program, including the City of Comanche and Comanche Middle School.

TSET Healthy Incentive grants are awarded to communities and schools that have implemented key strategies to create an environment that encourages Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free. 

“Learning healthy habits at a young age and living in an environment that encourages good health are key to reducing premature and preventable death in Oklahoma. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the efforts of local schools and communities,” said TSET Board Chair Michelle Stephens. “These schools and communities have taken steps to improve the health of their residents, students, teachers and staff, and those efforts will have a positive impact in our state for years to come.”

TSET Healthy Incentive grants were awarded to 10 communities. In communities, key strategies for health include encouraging tobacco-free, vape-free environments, supporting active transportation such as walking or biking, offering and promoting fruits and vegetables through community gardens and farmers markets, and making healthy foods more available and affordable.

Comanche received the second-largest grant of the municipalities, receiving $36,000.

“The intent is for the money to go towards improvements at the trading post and the community garden,” city manager Chuck Ralls said. “We may also use some for a walking trail at Jackson Park. The Jackson park project was not approved so we would have to make a special request if there are remaining funds after completing the other two projects.”

TSET Healthy Incentive Grants were awarded to the following municipalities:

n City of Anadarko, $10,000

n Town of Carney, $14,000

n Town of Central High, $10,000

n City of Comanche, $36,000

n City of Guthrie, $70,000

n Town of Meeker, $14,000

n City of Miami, $24,000

n City of Perry, $25,000

n Town of Talala, $10,000

n City of Yale, $10,000

The Board also awarded grants to 26 school districts and school sites. Strategies for school districts and schools include creating and implementing wellness policies that focus on quality nutrition and increased physical activity. Schools are required to provide a tobacco-free, vape-free environment.

Comanche Middle School principal Angela Rouse said there are a few areas where the $2,000 grant may be used.

“Our plans for the money are to provide equipment for our outside area, physical education classes and dance/pom class,” Rouse said. “These items will be used to encourage and supplement physical activity for our students.”

TSET Healthy Incentive Grants were awarded to the following school districts and school sites:

n Allen Elementary, $3,000

n Battiest Public Schools, $12,000

n Bennington Elementary, $3,000

n Bennington High School, $2,000

n Cave Springs Public Schools, $15,000

n Comanche Middle School, $2,000

n Darlington Public School, $8,000

n Glencoe Public Schools, $8,000

n Glover Public School, $15,000

n Heavener Public Schools, $20,000

n Howe Public Schools, $11,500

n Jay Elementary School, $4,000

n Kingston Public Schools, $20,000

n Marietta Public Schools, $14,000

n Maud Public Schools, $12,000

n Newcastle Public Schools, $7,000

n Oktaha Public Schools, $20,000

n Porter Elementary School, $4,500

n Porter Junior and High School, $4,500

n Quail Creek Elementary, $4,000

n Ravia Public School, $2,000

n Stillwater Middle School, $5,000

n Waurika High/Middle School, $3,000

n Westville Public Schools , $6,000

n Whitefield Public School, $3,000

n Will Rogers Elementary (Stillwater), $4,000