State Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, took a step for schools earlier this year. Actually, he took a lot of steps for schools.

Lovick, along with six other legislators, took part in the Legislators on the Move walking challenge, which began Feb. 12 and ended March 23. During that time, Lovick recorded 652,130 steps — nearly 327 miles, enough to walk from Olympia to Pullman.

For his efforts, Regence BlueShield will give a $2,500 grant to a school in Lovick’s district. The grant can be used for any health-related project.

At a reception Tuesday, April 17, Lovick was awarded a silver medal. The gold medal was awarded to state Rep. Dave Quall, D-Mount Vernon, who logged 675,996 steps or 338 miles.

Mary O. McWilliams, president of Regence BlueShield, commended legislators who participated in walking challenge.

“We sometimes forget that transforming health care begins with taking small steps such as participating in a walking program. Regence is proud to support this effort by the Washington Legislature,” she said.