District 300 visit with Michelle Obama canceled

A White House reception slated for Friday to honor the healthy habits of schools from across the country, including Community Unit District 300, has been postponed indefinitely.

First lady Michelle Obama was set to host the event celebrating schools that succeeded in the Department of Agriculture’s HealthierUS Schools Challenge. But an email from the White House to the school district last week squashed plans for about 30 representatives — who had paid their own way — to travel to Washington, D.C., for the event.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must reschedule the HealthierUS School Challenge Reception at the White House previously scheduled for July 29th,” an email from the first lady’s office said. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and will be sending a rescheduled date as soon as it is confirmed.”

District 300 spokeswoman Allison Strupeck said despite the cancellation, the district would continue to push forward with the challenge.

“Everybody was excited and we are extremely disappointed that it has been postponed indefinitely,” Strupeck said. “But we understand that it is out of the hands of the organizers. It doesn’t diminish our enthusiasm for the HealthierUS Schools Challenge.”

The challenge promotes a healthy lunch menu, nutrition curriculum and structured exercise habits for students. District 300 has been awarded four gold awards of distinction and another dozen bronze awards.