Twenty-seven schools have reached the gold level standard for wellness in their schools this year, that’s ten more than last year.The schools recieved certificates at the Healthy Schools Awards Ceremony on WEdnesday. More than 100 representatives from schools and organisations gathered in the Bermuda Society of the Arts Gallery at City Hall for the presentation of awards by Health Minister Zane De Silva and Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith.The Healthy Schools programme is designed to promote health within Bermuda’s schools. Each year schools attempt to meet certain standards, are assessed and then receive a score on a scale of zero to five, with five being the ideal. Five schools received a perfect score on their assessments this year out of 31 schools assessed.Victor Scott Primary received the first place gold level achievement award. Clearwater Middle School was the most improved over last year, moving up from bronze to gold level compliance with Healthy Schools standards.Marie Beach-Johnson, the Healthy Schools coordinator, said every school comes up with its own ways for meeting the range of requirements.“They have health partners in and do presentations, they have school-wide walks, they have trash-a-thons,” she said. “Every school raises money for a cause, so they’re teaching students to be generous.”Individuals and organisations who have contributed significantly to the Healthy Schools Programme were also recognised at the ceremony.The Bermuda Heart Foundation received the Physical Education Recognition certificate for its Jump 2b Fit Jump-rope programme, which has grown significantly since it began five years ago with around 25 students in four schools. The programme now includes 800 students at 14 schools and hopes to send a Bermuda team to an international jump-rope competition next year.Both Barritt’s and Dunkley’s were recognised as community health partners for providing only healthy beverages and snacks to school vending machines.Senator Michael Dunkley accepted the award from Minister DeSilva, stating “We’re on the same page for this one. You can’t take your health for granted.”Since it began in 2004 the Healthy Schools programme has grown and, as of this year, also includes preschools.“Healthy habits develop early in life,” Mrs Beach-Johnson said. “Even the preschoolers understand that.”