WVVA Health Fair Recap: Empowering Students with Heath and Wellness Knowledge

The West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA) recently held a health fair to educate students on essential health and wellness topics. Led by WVVA teacher James Legg, the fair provided students with valuable knowledge through live demonstrations and interactive presentations.

“The WVVA Health Fair was a fantastic experience, giving our students practical skills in CPR, nutrition, and mental health. Watching their engagement and curiosity was inspiring, and I’m proud of how much they took away from the day. This event truly underscored the value of health education.”

A highlight of the event was a session by the Charleston Fire Department, where professionals conducted live demonstrations of CPR, First Aid, and AED use. These hands-on displays allowed students to witness emergency response techniques firsthand, equipping them with essential life-saving skills. Many students were inspired by the practical experience, expressing excitement and confidence in their newfound ability to respond in emergencies.

Adding to the day’s educational offerings, Dr. Nettie Puglisi Freshour and her graduate students from West Virginia University shared insights into nutrition. Their presentations, covering topics such as food allergies, healthy grocery shopping, exercise tips, and mental health, provided students with practical advice they could apply in their daily lives. The healthy shopping tips resonated with students, equipping them with the skills to make informed choices at the grocery store—a skill that will benefit them well into adulthood.

WVVA’s school counselor, Morgan McCarty, also led a session on mental health, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness. Through her approachable and compassionate guidance, she offered students effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety. The presentation fostered meaningful conversations among students about maintaining their mental health.

The Health Fair captivated WVVA students – students actively participated, asked insightful questions, and engaged fully with presenters, showcasing the potential for virtual environments to create impactful learning experiences. Through well-organized, online presentations, WVVA enabled students to immerse themselves in critical health and wellness topics without the constraints of a physical classroom.

Events like these highlight the benefits of virtual schooling, where learning is accessible, flexible, and responsive to individual student needs. This Health Fair exemplifies how WVVA’s virtual platform can deliver interactive, impactful education, empowering students with knowledge that will serve them well beyond their academic journey.