An idea to connect Wantagh High School students with health and wellness resources came to fruition on May 20 with a two-hour fair featuring dozens of vendors. The inaugural Health and Wellness Fair was several months in the making, and gave hundreds of students a chance to explore new ways to support their mental and physical health. 

Representatives from numerous agencies and businesses, such as hospitals, counseling centers, physical therapy offices and fitness centers, were on hand. Students could learn about organ donation, skin protection, vaping prevention, wholistic wellness and much more. There were giveaways at many of the booths, where students and professionals made meaningful connections. Food and beverage companies also donated samples of healthy snacks and drinks. 

Several of Wantagh High School’s health-related student organizations and classes were represented including Best Buddies, Cohen Strong, the Health and Wellness Club, Morgan’s Message, Physical Education Leaders, student government and the Peak Performance and Nutrition class. Cohen Strong students provided their peers with coping skills and strategies based on the five senses. Morgan’s Message had a large board filled with sticky notes, and students were encouraged to take a note with a positive message and leave one for someone else. Bags with messages on inclusivity along with bracelets, pins and stickers were given out by Best Buddies.

The Health and Wellness Fair was organized by health education teacher Jaclyn Stevens. Physical education and health classes that met during the three-period fair attended, and all teachers were invited to bring down their classes to the gymnasium as well. Students could also visit during lunch. Each period featured a planking competition, as students and staff competed to see who could do the static, full-body exercise the longest. 

The event was sponsored by Wantagh SEPTA, the 6-12 Association, the Sports Booster Club and Jovia Financial Credit Union.