Hundreds of people gathered for the annual Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 7, and for some, it was a step towards getting fit this year. Dozens of vendors provided information, entertainment and even giveaways to every willing participant as they made their way down the halls of Hicksville High School. Each hallway provided visitors a different experience, whether it was about dangers to health or programs available through Hicksville High School and various institutions to help everyone get back in shape. Many of the vendors included students, who represented both extracurricular and academic after-school clubs and activities, and catered to the health and wellness of the mind. Facility from the respective honor society or after school club accompanied their students as well.
One of the first people to greet fair-goers was Hicksville High School’s principal, Raymond Williams. For two years, Williams has attended the Health and Wellness Fair and spoke highly of its success.
“We get new vendors every year, and the turnout has always been big,” he said.
Aside from the vendors, there were also various services that provided the attendees with a variety of services, such as massages and blood pressure testing. Hicksville’s Tropical Smoothie Café provided healthy blended smoothies, composed of both fruits and veggies. Other healthier choice snacks included wasabi peas, popcorn and roast beef sandwiches. In regards to school and being healthy, Williams claimed it was “essential for students to eat well and be healthy.” Williams also noted that “healthy students were healthy learners” and students who eat a proper breakfast every morning generally test better academically.
As part of the healthier eating regiment certain vendors also spoke about the benefits of meal planning, dieting and cooking at home alternatively to buying processed and fast foods. Students and faculty also demonstrated cooking and baking techniques to help kids learn the proper ways of food preparation both for practical and sanitary reasons.
With health and mindfulness encompassing the entirety of the fair, students and parents could also go to the various gymnasiums located around the school. Each area hosted different physical activities including gymnastics, basketball and even a Zumba class. Hallways leading to each gym also boasted independent fitness facilities, including a family gym and several martial arts dojos. Some raffled off free gear, training and even lessons to help motivate attendants towards fitness. Many other raffled items for the event were donated by various community organizations, including the PTSA, of which included fitness classes, workout gear and a NutriBullet blender.
The Hicksville Health and Wellness fair was surely a success as many parents left more educated about healthy choices and habits for their kids, and much of that information was also passed down to students. The importance of both a healthy mind and body left a clear impression on its audience.
