MISSION, TEXAS (May 12, 2025) – Mission CISD’s Lucille Pearson Elementary Sports/Health Academy has been awarded a $26,000 Project Fit America (PFA) grant, funded by The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, to support new fitness equipment and a dynamic physical education curriculum. Project Fit America (PFA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating innovative fitness education programs in elementary and middle schools, empowering students to take charge of their health and well-being.
Pearson Elementary was selected for the grant following a competitive proposal process open to schools across Cameron, Starr, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties.
Thanks to the grant, the campus has received a full suite of indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, along with engaging curriculum resources aimed at inspiring students to lead active, healthy lifestyles. Beyond traditional fitness, the program also emphasizes the development of social, character, and leadership skills. Physical education teachers will receive two years of on-site training and support from PFA to successfully implement the program.
To celebrate the launch of this exciting new initiative, Pearson Elementary will host a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony:
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Lucille Pearson Elementary Sports/Health Academy
During the event, students will showcase the new fitness program in action through live demonstrations.
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation and Project Fit America to promote student fitness,” said Melissa Davis, Pearson Elementary Principal. “Their generous support enables us to enrich physical education programs, helping students grow up active, fit, and healthy, impacting more than 300 students and their families at Pearson Elementary!”
About The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation
The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, originally formed as the Valley Baptist Medical Foundation in 1976, transitioned to a strategic grant-making organization in 2011. The Foundation is dedicated to identifying and addressing healthcare-related needs in the Rio Grande Valley. Through investments in innovative partnerships, medical education, research, and programs, the Foundation is committed to improving the health and quality of life of the community.
About Project Fit America (PFA)
Project Fit America is a national nonprofit organization that partners with schools to create sustainable and broad-based fitness programs. PFA provides schools with state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, dynamic curriculum activities, onsite teacher training, and education on nutrition, body awareness, and social-emotional leadership development. In its 35th year, PFA has worked with over 1,000 schools in more than 300 cities across 46 states, helping students improve their fitness levels and lead healthier lives.
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