Student: Wellness program doesn't work

I am a high school student, and as I came across the article concerning the school wellness program (Clarion, Dec. 5) which removes certain sugar products from school to address the health issues in children rising up all over the nation, I was appalled.

I have never supported this program, because it doesn't work. The author of this article used an elementary school as reference to show how the program is working, One elementary school, no doubt.

In elementary school, all food intake has always been restricted if its being offered by the school so it isn't a very good example. However if you look at the high schools, you will see where the real problems are.

As a high school student, I am offered every day for lunch the following: pizza, nachos, a hamburger or cheese sticks. When I am a senior I can go off campus and buy a large soda from the Tesoro up the street during lunch, since only diet soda is offered at the school now, not to mention I could pick up Taco Bell, McDonald's or Arby's while I'm out. Not only can I get the sugar I crave from other sources, but I also can buy greasy processed food from my own school lunch program.

The other point mentioned in this article was that the students were getting enough physical education. They are in elementary school, where P.E. is required weekly, and they have recess. P.E. is required two semesters at our school, and we don't get recess.

The point is, this wellness program does not work. Spend one day at high school and no one can say it does. If the school district wants to really make a difference in the ever-growing health issues across the nation, they need stop offering us pizza and encourage us to eat healthy.

Briana VinZant