ALTOONA (Eau Claire), WI, March 5, 2008 – The Midwest Region celebrated School Breakfast Week at Pedersen Elementary School  with "Start Your Engines" -- a virtual race around Wisconsin to learn about different breakfast food groups. Power Panther, a local race car driver and the University of Wisconsin women's basketball team were among the many special guests. After breakfast a school parent and dietitian led an interactive presentation on healthy eating.

(1) Midwest SNP Director Julie Mikkelson presented Altoona school foodservice director Peggy Ehrhard with a Certificate of Appreciation for her leadership and creative marketing of school breakfast in Altoona and statewide. Julie also recognized the elementary and middle school principals for their support of a healthy school nutrition environment. From left to right: Ehrhard, Altoona School Foodservice Supervisor;  Mikkelson; Power Panther; Pam Van Kampen, school parent and Wisconsin Dietetic Association representative; and Chelsea Engen, Pedersen Elementary School principal.

(2) Race car driver Jake Radetzke (an Altoona High School alumnus) signs autographs for students during breakfast. He parked his race car outside for the students to see.

(3) University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire women's basketball team members autograph team posters and basketballs for the middle-schoolers.