Gainesville High School teacher Tara Green wasn’t working out regularly—that is, until personal training, yoga, even Zumba classes were established for students and staff on campus. Now, at least two days a week after the school day is done she’s moving, sweating and getting in shape.
“Being able to work out with other people at the school has really motivated me,” said Green, who teaches English at GHS. “I think ‘Hey, other people are doing this, and so should I.’”
Green’s new-found interest in fitness is the result of a year-long partnership between the University of Florida’s dietetics programs and students and staff at GHS. The school team was led by students and staff of the GHS Academy of Health Professions (AHP), a magnet program for high-schoolers interested in careers in healthcare. Working together the groups assessed the overall health needs at the school, gathering input from the school community and the Alachua County Public Schools’ Food Service department. Then they identified strategies to meet those needs—things like healthier food choices in the cafeteria, regular health screenings and the after-school fitness programs.
“We want Gainesville High School to become a wellness model for the entire community,” said Janine Plavac, director of the AHP and the primary force behind the school’s wellness program. “Everyone has really bought into it, and we’ve even been able to expand what we were doing.”
As a result of a very successful first year, Gainesville High School was named a Bronze Award winner by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a national organization focused on promoting successful community partnerships that promote health and wellness. Only three high schools in Florida earned that designation this year.
GHS students say that the pro-fitness message is much more effective when it comes from other students—particularly since teenagers tend to believe that health is not something they need to worry about until they are much older.
“You may think that now, but that attitude can catch up with you later,” said senior Dawn Azarcon. “It’s important now to stay on top of your health and do the things that will keep you healthy.”
Students and teachers also agree that it’s important for young people to see the adults in their lives demonstrating healthy behavior.
“I think that’s one of the most important things we can do as teachers,” said Green. “If we’re modeling exercise and good eating habits, they’re more likely to follow suit.”
“You can’t preach it if you don’t do it,” said Plavac.