The Crocodiles are CHAMPS. Cleveland Elementary 5th graders were recently honored for their excellence in the CHAMPS program. Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (CHAMPS) seeks to provide an educational program that offers guidance and the skills, ability, and knowledge to be safe, healthy, and happy in preparation for a successful life.

Chase White was awarded as the overall CHAMPS winner for the Crocodiles. White wasn’t the only winner because there was also an essay contest and a poster contest. Winners in the essay contest were Aaron Clark (1st place), Addison Shedd (2nd place), and Marcus Smith (3rd place). Winners in the poster contest were Hezekiah Barnett (1st place), Salmah Lawal (2nd place), and Chase White (3rd place).

All of the winners were honored by Sheriff Barry Babb, Chief Deputy Anthony Rhodes, Investigator Anne Malautea, and other representatives with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

CHAMPS was founded in 2003 by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association to address the urgent challenges today’s students face every day, and lesson plans are taught by certified deputy sheriffs who have successfully completed CHAMPS instructor training.