Balboa Middle School in Ventura was honored Tuesday for outstanding student participation in a statewide fitness program, receiving $1,000 and a visit from legendary TV exercise guru Jack LaLanne.

The Governor's Challenge is a program that encourages teachers and students in grades K-12 to be active at least 30 minutes a day, three days a week, for at least a month. The program was started in 2005 by the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a nonprofit organization that promotes physical activity among children.

According to Kenny Rogers, the group's executive director, the number of students and teachers taking the challenge increases every year. Last school year, 70,000 people took the challenge statewide. This school year, 65,000 people have already completed the program, Rogers said.

At Balboa, 1,348 of the school's 1,368 students have completed the challenge so far this school year.

"Balboa is the No. 1 school in Ventura County, in the Gold Coast Region and No. 1 in the state, with the highest number of students and teachers completing the challenge," said Rogers.

The school received $1,000 for its award, which was presented by LaLanne, 93, called the "godfather of fitness." "The Jack LaLanne Show" aired from 1951 to 1985 and was the longest-running television program devoted to exercise.

LaLanne said schools need to introduce more fruits, vegetables and grains into the children's diet. "You have to watch what you eat, count your calories and exercise," LaLanne told the Balboa students. "What you do when you are young goes with you the rest of your life. That's why you have to start making healthy choices now."

In the fall, the Governor's Challenge program will hand out $5,000 regional awards, and three grand prizes — $100,000 fitness centers — to the top elementary, middle and high school in the state, said Rogers. The prizes will be based on the level of participation at the schools.

"The children really wanted to do it. I think kids are realizing fitness is very important for themselves and for their future," said Dale Lanning-Espitia, physical education department chair at Balboa.

Lanning-Espitia said students met the challenge through special activities such as morning walks, workouts before and after school, and basketball and tennis at lunchtime. The $1,000 award will be used to purchase more fitness equipment, Lanning-Espitia said.

Teri Gern, principal at Balboa Middle School, said she is really proud that students and staff took the challenge, and she hopes to win more prizes.

"Research shows students who are physically active do better in school and feel better about themselves," Gern said. "Wellness is the key — you have to be physically and mentally healthy to be successful in school."

Katie Kahn, 13, an eighth-grader, said the challenge is an easy way to be active and have fun at the same time. "When you are healthy, your mind functions clear and you have better grades," Katie said.

Other local schools receiving Governor's Challenge honors this year include Hueneme School in Port Hueneme and Apollo High School in Simi Valley.

On the Net:

http://www.calgovcouncil.org