Iredell-Statesville Schools School & Family Magazine May 2018 | Page 14

Speedway to Healthy
Students participated in an exhibit to
promote a healthier lifestyle.
Elementary students in the district received the
opportunity to participate in “Speedway to Healthy”, thanks
to a collaboration among Iredell County 4-H, Iredell County
Parks & Recreation, Iredell County Health Department,
North Carolina A&T State University, and Iredell-Statesville
Schools.
The exhibit, which belongs to North Carolina A&T State
University, allows students to follow a plate of food through
their digestive system and to learn about overall body health.
The college loans the exhibit out across the state, free of
charge, to help educate students about ways to be healthier.
NC A&T delivered and guided the set-up of the exhibit.
Kay Bridges, Iredell County Extension Agent for 4-H
Youth Development explained that this is something she has
wanted to bring to Iredell County for some time.
“The exhibit has been used for a number of years, and I’ve wanted to bring it here for a good while. I’m
glad to see it here in Iredell County for the first time,” Bridges stated.
This exhibit allows students to not only hear about health and nutrition but also experience it.
“One of the focus areas in 4-H is Health and Nutrition. This allows kids to learn about the body and body
functions in a visual, hands-on way,” explained Bridges. “This aligns to the NC Standards for this age group.”
Ann Simmons, Family and Consumer Sciences Area Agent for the NC Cooperative Extension, also
played a huge role. Simmons coordinated volunteers to man each of the stations and allowed community
members, 4-H kids, students from CATS and the Success Institute to come together.
Approximately 900 students participated in “Speedway to Healthy” March 6-8, 2018.
12 Iredell-Statesville School & Family