Landrum High School has recently resolved to revolutionize the way students receive water by installing water filling stations over each of the school’s water fountains.

Drinking fountains were introduced to school hallways in the 1950s and remain commonplace within high schools to date. Today, water fountains predominantly serve to fill the bottles of the 70 percent of high school students who would rather have their water to go.

These new units allow for ease of access, making it much more convenient for students to fill their bottles between classes and stay hydrated. Landrum High School is the first school in District One to make this upgrade, and they have made it an initiative, encouraging the involvement of local organizations and other District One schools.

“So many people are drinking more water now and cutting out carbonated beverages. More than half of my students come to class with some sort of a refillable bottle of water every day. We, as Student Council, have challenged other organizations, like JROTC and the Athletic Booster Club, to buy water filling stations to support this need,” biology teacher and Student Council sponsor Jennifer Johnson said.

With several grants and donations, including a $250 grant from Palmetto Pride, the LHS Student Council is sponsoring one of seven water bottle filling stations located throughout the hallways, cafeteria, weight room and gym. The LHS Wellness Committee and the Athletic Booster Club are purchasing four of the stations while the LHS PTSO and JROTC have also stepped up to purchase one water bottle filling station each. 

Installation began on Nov. 2, and the stations have already proven to be an influential investment.

“I feel like this new upgrade will help students live a more healthy lifestyle,” sophomore cross-country runner Marley Dickson said.

After witnessing the beginning of the installation process, students like Dickson and sophomore Chase Dotson are eager to voice their support. 

“That was awesome.  I want one of those at my house,” Dotson said.

The initiative has now caught on at other schools in the district, as extra orders for water bottle filling stations have been placed. Students and faculty plan to continue their health initiative in hopes of making Landrum High School a place in which a healthy lifestyle is easily attainable.

– article submitted by Sandra Williams