Mahopac Middle School recently welcomed students, staff and community partners for its annual “I Love Health” Fair, an interactive event designed to promote healthy lifestyles and connect students with valuable wellness resources.
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to visit exhibits and speak with representatives who were present to provide insights into wellness, safety and mental health. The fair encouraged students to ask questions, participate in hands-on activities and explore ways to make healthy choices in their daily lives.
Event organizer and Mahopac’s K–12 Health Coordinator, Valarie Nierman, thanked the middle school administrators who helped make the day a success.
“I am very appreciative to Tom Cozzocrea, Regina Cucinotta and Anthony Muia who handled a lot of coordination to help make the day run so smoothly,” Nierman said. “Many of the exhibitors commented on how respectful, curious and engaged our students were. It really says a lot about our school community.”
Nierman also shared a special thank you to middle school health teachers, Joe Roche and Dan Rode, for the tremendous amount of work they did behind the scenes and on the day of the event.
“I am so grateful for all of Dan and Joe’s help,” Nierman said. “I could not have coordinated the health fair without them.”
Superintendent Frank Miele also praised the event and the opportunity it provides for students to learn through real-world connections.
“What I enjoyed most was seeing our students given the chance to explore so many informative activities,” Miele said. “The excitement in the room and the interaction between our students, staff and the many community agencies made this such a worthwhile experience. Our district is fortunate to have someone as dedicated as Val leading this work.”
The annual event continues to highlight the importance of health education while strengthening partnerships between the school district and community organizations. Thank you to all of the exhibitors who participated including the Middle School’s Health and Physical Education Departments, the High School's Mahopac Students Against Cancer and Model UN Clubs, Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Apple Bank, Child Advocacy Center of Putnam County, Cove Care Center, EyeCare Associates, Green Chimneys Community Based Services, Live On New York, Mental Health Association in Putnam County, Inc., NAMI Putnam, Perrone Family Chiropractic, Putnam County Department of Health, Putnam County Department of Mental Health, Putnam County Youth Bureau, Putnam Hospital, Putnam Hospital Nutrition and The Prevention Council of Putnam.