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AARP Indiana State President Anita Price presented a $10,000 Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy award to a rural school district that is connecting generations through a fitness center open to students and the public.

The Patriot Activity Center at Seeger Memorial Senior High School, West Lebanon, IN, opened in 2005 after the school district conducted a survey of school and community needs. When health and wellness emerged as top issues, the school built a community center with three basketball courts, indoor track and weight room.

More than 3,000 Warren County residents are registered to use the free facility, and daily use exceeds 200.

For students, the center is an activity hub whose spokes include new physical education classes, school fitness clubs, and fitness and nutrition plans for all graduating students.

AARP Indiana Program Coordinator Sarah Waddle, who led the Legacy Award selection team, described the center as “a perfect blend” of school and community. “It’s there for everyone.”

Terry Roderick, superintendent of the Metropolitan School District of Warren County, said the Legacy Award will bolster the center’s operations and maintenance fund. The April 17 award ceremony also included members of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association.