Gov. Reeves reinstates Presidential Fitness Test for Mississippi students

Published 3:14 pm Thursday, October 30, 2025

Meridian and Lauderdale County students may see their physical fitness tested beginning next year after Gov. Tate Reeves on Thursday signed an executive order reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test for students in elementary through high school.

In a statement, Reeves said he is concerned about the consumption of high-processed foods coupled with sedentary lifestyles of today’s youth and wants to help students be more active and eat right to grow into healthy adults.

“Students across the country are spending far too much time sitting around looking at screens and eating too much highly-processed junk food. We know that obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutrition lead to more negative health outcomes,” he said. “If we want more healthy adults in our society, it’s important that we encourage students to be physically active and educate them on healthy eating habits.”

The Presidential Fitness Test is an annual test measuring students physical fitness. It started in 1950 and continued through 2013 when it was discontinued under the Obama administration. At the time it ended, the test involved a one-mile run, sit-ups, pushups or pull-ups, a flexibility test and a shuttle run.

In July, President Donald Trump signed an order reinstating the test nationwide.

Under Reeves’ order, State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney is tasked with proposing strategies to educate the public about diet, nutrition and exercise. State Superintendent Lance Evans is tasked working with the U.S. Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Education to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test in Mississippi schools. Both plans are due by June 30, 2026.

In the executive order, Reeves orders the test be available in schools throughout the state beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.