(RALEIGH) -- The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has recognized 275 schools across the country with a prestigious award for transforming their campuses into healthier places. Fifteen of those schools on the list are in North Carolina.

The schools earned their spot in the list by offering physical education before, during and after school. And teachers at each of these schools have played a major role in making the schools healthier. Spokesperson Ginny Ehrlich says, "recognizing the importance of being positive role models for their students, staff created walking clubs and fitness challenges for themselves, and carried water throughout the day instead of other beverages."

Among the schools honored; J.C. Sawyer Elementary and Northeastern High School in Elizabeth City; Bunn Elementary School and Southern Durham High School.

More than half of the schools earning recognition serve predominantly African-American or Hispanic students, and more than 60 percent are located in lower-income communities. The goal of the Alliance is to reduce the nationwide prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015.