For the Reporter
Auburn High School DECA’s Trojans Taking Charge campaign – in partnership with Action for Healthy Kids – recently hosted the Auburn Triple Trek, an event to increase awareness of healthy lifestyles.
The event included taste testing at the school and a 5K run and walkathon at Auburn Memorial Field last weekend.
According to Lori Jacobs, DECA advisor, the event was inspired by the school’s athletic director, Bob Jones, whose longterm goal is to provide an after-school program that allows students to be in the gym, weight room, track or field with adult supervision.
“With this event, as well as increasing awareness of the importance of a healthier way of life, we hoped to fulfill Jones’ wishes and raise enough money to kick off the after-school program,” Jacobs said in an email.
During school lunches last Friday, 10 vendors set up tables and conducted taste tests with new healthy food options. Students had the opportunity to vote for their favorite foods. In 2014, Healthy Snacks In Schools will kick in, which includes regulations for meals, snacks, beverages, fundraising and school parties.
The event raised about $1,600 of the DECA program’s goal of $5,000, and increased awareness of healthy lifestyles. The campaign continues to raise money through sales of T-shirts, wristbands and community donations. They hope to start the after-school program in the second semester.
“I am very proud about how the event turned out,” Jacobs said. “It was empowering seeing community members, students and teachers come together to raise money for a cause that means a great deal to our school. It is important that adults and students realize the impact of eating healthy and exercising to academic performance and longterm health.”