Two Loveland High School seniors create initiative to help fellow classmates get fit
Loveland, Ohio - The Loveland High School (LHS) cafeteria provided the stage; seniors Michael Huber and Austin Jarvis couldn’t believe the show they were watching.
“I saw a kid go and get a cheeseburger, then two bags of chips, then two muffins and a smoothie,” explained Huber.
“I was watching students throw away the healthier foods, and only eating the snacks,” said Jarvis.
“And, I personally love the school vegetables,” added Huber. “I thought as I watched them, living a healthy lifestyle is not as hard as you think.”
It was that thought that planted the seed in Huber’s mind – an idea that has blossomed into a formal student group: Loveland Health Initiative. Michael Huber is the president; Austin Jarvis is the vice president. Along with an official student-run board, the group is planning to take their mission of helping students achieve a healthy lifestyle to the LHS streets in January.
“The coolest thing is that it is a student initiative,” said Chris Kloesz, LHS principal. “The state has done a good job improving school nutrition, and then Loveland takes it a step higher in offering high-quality food. But, we can’t force students to eat it. This is a way for students to let their peers know they are concerned for their well-being, and that is a positive message.”
The group plans to develop a monthly health-inspired theme, and invite speakers in to reinforce their message. They also plan to start a club that will organize group exercise events.
“My hope is that the group continues once we graduate,” said Huber, who plans to focus college studies on exercise science/biology next year. “I hope the program is so successful, the other schools will begin their own groups.”
“I want the take away for my fellow students to be a healthy lifestyle,” said Jarvis. “Maybe the students who participate will go home and teach their families about what they learn, and we will have a healthier Loveland community.”
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