SOUTH POINT — It’s showing students the value of healthy eating and exercise, while possibly bringing a substantial prize to the school.

That’s the goal of South Point Middle School as it participates in this year’s NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 program.

In 2009 the school was a first place winner in the state of Ohio in that year’s Fuel Up to Play, sponsored by the NFL and the National Dairy Association. That was an online program that monitored the students eating habits and required them to commit to 60 minutes of exercise a day.

But now the school has raised the bar and wants to be one of 32 national winners who will received a cash award of $10,000.

“We have a chance at that,” said Missy Waugh, a sixth grade computer teacher and event organizer.

On Friday, the middle school students will have a day of learning and putting into practice healthy habits. First will be a pep assembly with guest speakers followed by the school’s football team leading classmates in pre-game exercises. That will be followed by a punt, pass and kick contest.

The homeroom winning that contest will get a “healthy” pizza party that includes fresh fruit and salad at a later date.

“When they return to the building, they will have a tailgate healthy lunch,” Waugh said.

After lunch, the students will go back to the classroom to write essays about the day and how it has made them more health and nutrition conscious.

“We all know that without healthy eating habits and exercise, the brain doesn’t work,” Waugh said. “You have to eat healthily, rest and get exercise, then academic skills improve.”

If South Point wins the award, the money will go toward a health or physical education program for the students.