In conjunction with the 2026 Community Strides Walk for Diabetes Awareness, the Fairfield Glade and Crossville Lions clubs partnered with nurses in Cumberland County Schools to have a diabetes awareness competition in which all fifth-grade students in the nine elementary county schools were invited to participate.
Seven of the nine schools participated. The Lions appreciate the efforts and work of Marsha Polson, county Health Services and Coordinated School health supervisor, the nurses and teachers on staff that helped to make this project an amazing success.
Students were asked to author a short essay and to draw an illustration to go with it on a subject related to diabetes. The top three entries from each participating school were chosen by a panel of judges. Each first-place winner received a new bicycle. Cash prizes of $50 for second place and $25 for third place were awarded.
In early June, a group of Lions members delivered the prizes to each school, and the students received their awards in presentations in front of all the fifth-grade students.
The winners were pleasantly surprised when their name was called, and all their classmates applauded and cheered for them.
Everyone thanked the Fairfield Glade and Crossville Lions clubs for doing this project.
Thanks to all the Lions, school nurses, teachers, and Walmart for making the Strides Walk and this contest extremely successful.