story by Emma Willibey, photo by Libby Hyde

This year, social studies teacher Jacqui Brewer introduced Healthy Living Club, which meets in the Windmoor Center to accommodate 31 members and interactive routines. During the first semester, club members will prepare nutritious snacks and practice yoga and cardio karate with instructors. Brewer hopes these activities will initiate enjoyable meetings and compel members to lead wholesome off-campus lifestyles.

“I’d like [members] to take the skills they acquire in Healthy Living Club and apply them to their daily lives,” Brewer said. “[The goal is] doing it because you want to, not because you have to.”

Healthy Living Club originated last summer, when principal of student affairs Mary Anne Hoecker asked Brewer to create a club. After considering her interests, Brewer devised a stress-free club that promotes beneficial eating and exercising techniques.

“[I wanted the club to]expose [members] to a lot of different things and change their habits,” Brewer said.

Participating in planning and meeting others with an enthusiastic fitness approach attracted senior Meaghan Coble to Healthy Living Club.

“I’m kind of a health nut,” Coble said. “I just want to share [my knowledge] with other people who are enthusiastic about healthy things.”

Other students, like sophomore Haley Baldwin, considered Healthy Living Club a chance to improve eating habits rather than showcase already-formed interests.

“I have, like, five cookies a day for lunch,” Baldwin said. “Hopefully I get a healthier eating style.”

Staying fit also motivated students’ involvement in Healthy Living Club. According to Coble
and Baldwin, preparing for spring break trips and training for athletics are also membership

incentives.

“I need to stay in shape for swim and track season,” Baldwin said.

On the other hand, Healthy Living Club’s laid-back atmosphere serves as an escape from

school norms, Coble said.

“It’s nice to get away from [STA’s] general atmosphere of unhealthiness,” Coble said.

“Hopefully people really embrace a healthy lifestyle.”