Horace Mann Junior School athlete, Avery Campbell, lent a hand with food distribution provided by Hearts & Hands of Baytown.
BY: AMANDA KENNINGTON, GCCISD HEALTHY COMMUNITY SCHOOL COORDINATOR
On Saturday, November 4, Goose Creek CISD hosted a Community Wellness Fair with the goal to unite individuals, schools, families, employees, and community organizations to promote health and wellness. Be Well™ Baytown, the City of Baytown Parks and Recreation and Workforce Solutions sponsored the event. Be Well Baytown is an initiative of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center sponsored by ExxonMobil. The event celebrates the notable accomplishments of the collective work done by various GCCISD departments and collaborating organizations to carry out positive, long-lasting change in people’s health.
More than 1,000 attendees participated in the Community Wellness Fair hosted at Goose Creek Memorial High School. Approximately 58 vendors provided health care resources, employment opportunities, community resources and provided door prizes for attendees. Healthy snacks were provided by Aramark and over 200 families had the opportunity to take home free fresh produce provided by Hearts and Hands of Baytown (HHB). HHB volunteers contributed several hours of time to organize, prepare, and distribute approximately 7,000 lbs of food for the event.
The event committee and over 130 volunteers, many of whom were student athletes, invested their time and energy to ensure the event was safe and successful. “The Horace Mann athletic department had a blast volunteering on Saturday for the community festival at GCM. Our athletes enjoyed lending a helping hand wherever they were needed. As an athletic department we are instilling the importance of community awareness and engagement. The Gators are looking forward to volunteering again next year,” said Sharilyn Reed, Horace Mann Athletic Coordinator. Highlands Junior athletes also volunteered at the event and an 8th grade student said, “I personally had a fun and enjoyable time while volunteering. It was nice being able to help people.”
The event included a Chit Chat Summit providing 3rd-12th grade students, parents, and community members informational sessions on topics such as the dangers of fentanyl and e-cigarettes; healthy relationships; and mindfulness and self-care. In the gymnasium, attendees enjoyed music, engaged in educational games and fun fitness activities led by GCCISD campus-school health advisory committees. Participants had fun playing Soccer Darts and the Viking Axe Throw was a popular choice as well. The giant inflatables were sponsored by City of Baytown Parks and Recreation. Everyone enjoyed the exciting dance performances presented by The Bowie Performance Team and the mascots raked in even more fun! Thirty-eight flu shots were provided by Harris County Public Health.
Ms. Sharon Jason, GCCISD employee, volunteered as a greeter at the entrance/exit to the event and said, “all attendees expressed that they had a great time, enjoyed all of the vendor booths, and expressed how grateful they were with the food that Hearts and Hands provided. Many were also happy that Workforce Solutions was there for the employment opportunities.” GCCISD is already planning how to make the event even better for next year; we are united in wellness!