The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta is the leading government health organization in the United States, and I'm convinced this significant health agency would be proud to know that the Richmond County Board of Public Education has taken on the task to combat obesity among middle and high school pupils in Augusta.

It's significant for me to congratulate school board members for seeing to it that nutritional drinks are now present in school vending machines throughout the county. Pupils now have access to water, vitamin water, Powerade, green tea, flavored water, Fuze and orange drinks.

Of course, there is still one high school that is still allowing pupils to acquire colas, but I'm convinced that school board members will address this situation with this school's administrator, so that this high school will be on the same page as the other schools.

Actually, with the school system's new positive attitude in addressing obesity among students, it's possible for school cultures to be transformed into being health-conscious, whereby there maybe a major reduction in the obesity epidemic throughout our local public schools.

It's nice to know that the school system is no longer jeopardizing the health of pupils for financial gain. Our school system must never perform the role of pimps and hustlers in taking advantage of our pupils for profit. Therefore, I'm elated that the Richmond County Board of Education has redeemed itself to do what's proper and correct for the well-being of pupils.

It's imperative for all school administrators to promote healthy nutritional habits for their pupils. Of course, this positive and meaningful concept definitely ties in with the Greek philosophy that a beautiful mind and a healthy body are synonymous to each other.

E. Maner

Augusta