Nineteen Sweetwater Elementary students are embracing healthy living and cooking in style 
thanks to the Mini Chef Academy, a program designed to promote healthy eating habits. During a special graduation ceremony held in the school’s cafeteria, students received their own personal chef’s attire.
Local cardiologist Dr. Charlie Rouse and the Rouse Foundation sponsor the Mini Chef Academy in partnership with the Douglas County School System. Serving students in grades 3-5, the program focuses on nutrition, exercise, heart health and relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Superintendent Dr. Trent North, SWES Principal Tanish Springer and Dr. Rouse attended the event, where they encouraged students to apply the knowledge and skills they learned in their daily lives.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our remarkable students and thankful for our dedicated staff that supports them!” Principal Springer said. “It fills us with pride to witness their dedication and hard work throughout this journey. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Rouse Foundation for providing this invaluable opportunity.”
She also emphasized the program’s lasting impact on students’ wellbeing.
“Through this program, our students have gained essential knowledge and skills that will positively impact their lives and the lives of their families, potentially for generations to come,” she said. “As we know, health is wealth, and the lessons learned here will serve as a foundation for healthier lifestyles.”
During the ceremony, Dr. Rouse talked to students about the importance of having a healthy
heart and told them how their diet and exercise can contribute to that over their lifetime. He also led the students on an interactive “Walk Through the Heart.”
“We know that heart disease is the top killer of adults in our society,” said Dr. Rouse. “But we also know that this is not a disease of adults. It may manifest itself at that time, but if children can cut down on sugars, salts and other things, then they’re less likely to develop those cardiovascular problems that lead to sickness or bad outcomes.”
“I hope to let students understand at a young age that they can take control of their life and when they are old like me, they can be healthy, more productive, and, in some instances, disease free,” Rouse said.
The Mini Chef Academy was launched by the Rouse Foundation in 2022 as a pilot program within the Douglas County School System.