The Healthy LifeStars Annual StepUp4Kids Fundraiser is an evening dedicated to celebrating the people who make our mission possible. This year's event was especially meaningful as we recognized two outstanding leaders whose passion and commitment are helping inspire healthier futures for thousands of kids. One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of the inaugural Karen Kraft Legacy Award to Josh Grant, Physical Education and Health Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Education.
The award was established in honor of Healthy LifeStars founder and longtime treasurer Karen Kraft, whose dedication and belief in the organization's mission helped shape Healthy LifeStars from its earliest days. Following her passing, Karen left a generous estate gift that is helping expand the organization's reach and impact. The Karen Kraft Legacy Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, generosity, and commitment to young people reflect the values Karen embodied throughout her life. Josh Grant is a deserving first recipient.
Working alongside Executive Director Aaron Nicholson and Healthy LifeStars Board Member Preston Miller, Josh has led the expansion of Healthy LifeStars across West Virginia, bringing the LifeStar Challenge™ to more than 7,000 students in just two years, including over 4,000 kids this past year alone. His passion for student wellness and commitment to physical education have made a meaningful impact in a state facing significant childhood health challenges. The evening also celebrated the educators who bring Healthy LifeStars directly into schools each day with the presentation of the Healthy LifeStars Coach of the Year Award to Lance Dunlop.
A longtime physical education teacher with the Tempe Elementary School District and current Partnership Chair for Arizona SHAPE, Lance has spent more than a decade creating welcoming, engaging learning environments where every student feels encouraged to participate. His approach extends beyond physical activity by emphasizing whole kid wellness, helping students build confidence, develop healthy habits, set meaningful goals, and believe in their ability to succeed. Lance's leadership reflects everything Healthy LifeStars strives to achieve through the LifeStar Challenge™, inspiring kids to build healthy routines that can last a lifetime.
As Healthy LifeStars continues to grow across the country, leaders like Josh Grant and Lance Dunlop demonstrate that lasting change happens through passionate individuals who believe every kid deserves the opportunity to live an active, healthy life. We congratulate Josh and Lance on these well deserved honors and thank them for their extraordinary leadership and commitment to Inspiring Kids for Life.