MOUNT VERNON – New York First Lady Michelle Paterson brought her “Healthy Steps to Albany” program on Thursday to students at A.B. Davis Middle School in Mount Vernon.

The health and awareness campaign created by Mrs. Paterson challenges middle school students from across the state to increase their physical activity and consumption of healthy foods.  The six-week fitness challenge in which middle school classes compete for a trip to Albany for lunch with Governor and Mrs. Paterson begins on March 1.

“With childhood obesity and diabetes on the rise, the First Lady’s Healthy Steps to Albany campaign will make a bid difference in the lives of our young people,” said Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young, Jr.