How do you get elementary school students ready for a summer of healthy living?

BB&T, A. Reddix & Associates, Chick-fil-a, Five Points Community Farm Market, the Norfolk Sheriff’s Department, the Norfolk Police Department and St. Helena Elementary School teamed up to do just that, with a huge event just before school let out.

The Healthy Living Field Day, sponsored by local community partners and Norfolk Public Schools, was designed to focus on educating children about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity. The theme for the day was "get active."

With the beginning of summer, students needed a reminder about how to stay in tune with good nutrition and exercise.

The Healthy Living Field Day had "healthy stations" posted around the school, offering physical education and food education activities, such as Zumba Fitness, nutrition games, anti-bullying lessons and gardening/food planting activities.

Community partners BB&T and A. Reddix & Associates were instrumental in organizing the event and hosting various stations. Other local businesses such as Chick-fil-a and Five Points Community Farm Market also lent a big hand. Chick-fil-a brought its cow mascot and samples of its healthy fare. Five Points Community Farm Market hosted a garden station teaching students the importance of understanding their food source and seeing fruits and vegetables they would find at a farmer’s market. Norfolk Public Schools and the Norfolk Sherriff’s Department hosted an anti-bullying station, also promoting awareness around a very important subject that affects many children. The Norfolk Police Department brought McGruff the Crime Dog.

The students had an opportunity to win prizes such as bikes, tennis rackets with gift certificates for lessons, and baseball sets -- all designed to get the kids outside. BB&T donated sports and athletic equipment for the school to keep permanently.

BB&T Norfolk employees have dedicated their time and resources to a number of Norfolk Public Schools projects this year as part of the company’s Lighthouse Project. BB&T teams select projects to assist non-profit agencies to make a positive impact on the lives of people in need. BB&T hopes their efforts encourage others in the community to volunteer their time and support for organizations such as local public schools. For more information about the Lighthouse Project, go to www.bbt.com/bbt/lighthouseproject/.

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