Uxbridge High School Hosts Health and Wellness Fair

UXBRIDGE — Superintendent Michael Baldassarre and Principal Dr. Michael Rubin share that Uxbridge High School hosted a Health and Wellness Fair to provide students with the knowledge and tools they need to monitor their physical and mental well-being.

More than 40 community resource vendors shared their knowledge with students in the gymnasium on Friday, April 12, through physical exercise, meditation, behavioral health and fostering community connections.

“Prioritizing mental health is paramount to a successful lifestyle, beyond just the school year,” Superintendent Baldassarre said. “We want to make sure our students are equipped with the supports they need to lead healthy lives.”

The event was organized by School Adjustment Counselor and art therapist Alison Ciccone, Health and Wellness teacher Christine Ahern, School Adjustment Counselor Lori Tobin, and senior student Elizabeth Lewis, a high school intern and co-president of Mending Spartan Minds.

“This event reinforces Uxbridge Public School’s commitment to improving social and emotional learning (SEL) among our students,” Ciccone said. “We know that children learn better, have better attendance and less conflicts when they are less stressed. Hopefully through the variety of supports being showcased, students will walk away with some new coping strategies and community connections for themselves and also to share with their families.”

Students visited vendor tables offering community resources such as mental health support groups, volunteer organizations, local businesses focusing on health and wellness and tips from first responders. Students who interacted with vendors and learned positive stress-management methods were given raffle tickets, which were entered to win prizes at the end of the event. Prizes included donations from the vendors such as a 3-month membership to Anytime Fitness, an autographed basketball from Herren Wellness and a basket full of spa products from Arborvitae Botanicals. Vendors received “swag” bags created by students which included a tumbler, kindness rocks and hearts with wildflower seeds to plant.

“Being able to plan this event was such an incredible opportunity, and I’ve seen my fellow peers’ struggles and want to help them,” student intern Ellie Lewis said. “Bringing all of these amazing vendors together to teach our students about the different resources around Blackstone Valley will have a huge impact on how they can proceed with adversities in life.”

School clubs that were present included Uxbridge High School Advanced Foods, Uxbridge High School Art Department/Art Club, UHS-DECA Chapter, UHS Digital Wellness Team, UHS eSports Club, UHS Health and Wellness Department, UHS Library, UHS Lend-a-Look, UHS Mending Spartan Minds Club, UHS Performing Arts Department, UHS Spartan Pride Alliance: Community for Everyone (SPACE) Club and Uxbridge High School Athletic Training and Sports Medicine.

“On behalf of Uxbridge High School, I want to thank our community organizations for taking the time to provide support for our students,” Principal Rubin said. “Strong schools build partnerships with their communities, families and other organizations, and the contributions of many made a truly awesome experience.”

Community members helped to sponsor this event through donations. Gold Sponsors, which donated $100, included Manifest Health Solutions, Through The Trees Therapy and Herren Wellness. Silver Sponsors, which donated $50, included the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line and Stepping Stone Farm. Bronze Sponsors, which donated $25, included Angela’s Magickal Palette, Arborvitae Botanicals, Empowered Health & Training Services, Hear Joy Audiology, Retro Records and Wild Owl Metaphysical Services.

Community resource vendors present for the Health and Wellness Fair included: