The Wahkiakum High School Health and Wellness Fair, held on October 22, highlights the school’s dedication to student health. Aimed at empowering students through education on wellness topics and community resources, the fair features booths from various organizations. Organized by Nikita Hardin-Mendez, the fair emphasizes the importance of advocacy and relationship-building among students, culminating in a supportive atmosphere for personal growth.
At Wahkiakum High School, student health and wellness take center stage, especially during the annual Health and Wellness Fair. Held on October 22, this event brings the community together for a comprehensive exploration of healthy living, enabling students to advocate for their needs. This fair, now in its third year, includes twelve informative booths, each offering valuable resources and guidance on navigating life’s challenges. Among the participating groups are the Community Integrated Health Services (CIHS) WISE team, Wahkiakum Health and Human Services, and the local fire department. Students engage in a round-robin format to gather information on topics such as substance use prevention, nutrition, and physical fitness with insights from alumni marine Zach Carlson. They also learn about maintaining healthy relationships and fire safety through interactive demonstrations. The fair is spearheaded by Nikita Hardin-Mendez, assisted by Principal Stephanie Leitz and students Malia Scott and Jasmin LaRuche. The initiative began three years ago with the student prevention club, AWWA, aimed at fostering acceptance and addressing personal needs among students. Principal Leitz emphasizes the fair’s significant impact, stating, “Nikita does an exceptional job building strong relationships with students. By organizing this event, students are able to see that Nikita has additional information and connections here locally that can support students if needed.” Hardin-Mendez echoes this sentiment, highlighting the event’s role in building community connections and aiding students in discovering essential resources. Students not only inquire but also form relationships that provide guidance as they navigate adolescence, all while enjoying swag as tangible reminders of community support. In reflection, Hardin-Mendez states that a key takeaway for students is the knowledge of whom to approach for help. As a student assistant professional, she focuses on fostering success and developing coping skills, hoping to empower students to prioritize their well-being. The program’s success is noteworthy, having received a national award from AWWA in 2022 for its extraordinary impact on youth. Additionally, it reaches over 150 students with ongoing support from classroom speakers throughout the year. Complementing the high school’s initiative, the middle school promotes healthy lifestyles through an advocacy group called TRED, championing activities like a gratitude tree.
The Health and Wellness Fair at Wahkiakum High School serves as a vital platform for students to engage with community resources that promote their health and well-being. Through interactive booths and expert presentations, students learn about critical issues pertaining to their health, including nutrition and substance prevention. The fair cultivates a supportive environment where students can form relationships with local organizations and individuals who can guide them through challenges faced during adolescence. As a long-term project of the student prevention club (AWWA), it continues to emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and building strong relationships among students and the larger community.
The Health and Wellness Fair exemplifies the commitment of Wahkiakum High School to prioritize student health. It fosters an environment where students can access vital resources, gain knowledge on important health topics, and build valuable relationships within their community. Through this annual event, students leave feeling empowered and equipped to handle the challenges of adolescence, a reflection of the school’s dedication to their overall well-being and personal growth.
Original Source: www.waheagle.com
