Michelle Obama awards Cobb, Fulton, Decatur school exercise programs

First lady Michelle Obama has honored nine schools in metro Atlanta with the "the nation’s top physical education and physical activity distinction for K-12 schools," according to the award announcement.

A total of 544 schools from 41 states and Washington D.C. were recognized with a "Let's Move!" award. Nine schools from Cobb and Fulton counties and Decatur were recipients.

To get the award, a school must have met "significant benchmarks" in five areas: physical education, physical activity before and after school, physical activity during school, staff involvement, and family and community engagement. The students must have at least 60 minutes of physical activity.

The following metro Atlanta schools were recognized:

City Schools of Decatur

• Glennwood Elementary School

Cobb County School District

• Blackwell Elementary School in Marietta
• Floyd Middle School in Mableton
• Mableton Elementary School in Mableton
• Russell Elementary School in Smyrna
• Smitha Middle School in Marietta

Fulton County School District

• High Point Elementary School just south of the Perimeter
• Lake Windward Elementary School in Alpharetta
• Stonewall Tell Elementary School in College Park

"I applaud these schools for creating Active School environments that are inspiring students to be more engaged learners and ensuring that physical education and physical activity continue to be an important part of every child's educational experience," Obama said in a news release.

Honorees will receive a banner, certificate and congratulatory letter from the first lady.