Juniors and seniors at La Porte High School received an age-old message in a unique way Tuesday, March 26 at the “Above the Influence” career and health fair. Instead of the typical lecture, students were entertained and even interacted with one-of-a-kind booths.
The fair was organized by the community health nursing students from Purdue University North Central under the direction of Peggy Rose, Assistant Professor of Nursing, and in cooperation with La Porte High School Principal Greg Handel, Assistant Principal Chris Alber, student government representatives and adviser Erica White, Micki Webb, MSW from La Porte County Drug Free Partnership and Joseph Bunch, MSW, counselors and La Porte County Dorothy S. Crowley Juvenile Services Center.
The fair covered a wide range of topics effectively and sought to target the most pertinent information to the age group. College education, career choices, healthy lifestyles, drug and alcohol use and abuse and social issues were at the forefront of the fair. The idea was to leave the students motivated and refreshed about their upcoming life decisions.
The students were exposed to a 50-minute performance titled “STAND UP! Change Teen Statistics.” The performance packed in startling statistics and information through a personal level and manages to tackle teen issues and promote a healthy lifestyle. It was full of song, dance and raw skits to pack a punch.
“I thought it was very entertaining, and it felt real,” student Brandon Searing said. “I can tell they put a lot of passion into their performance. It was thoroughly enjoyable.”
The students also toured the school gym and stopped at various booths addressing certain issues. The booths were meant to be engaging and relatable. Topics included: immunizations, STDs, drunk driving, dangers of tobacco and careers. Students even got to get active and shake it to Zumba run by Tom Coe.
“I loved Zumba because I love to dance, and now my legs are sore,” student Becca Kmiec said.
There were other perks that students love that increase participation- prizes. Students had chances to earn giveaways and booths and enter a raffle where gift cards and even a Nook were awarded.