When you were in third grade, you probably didn’t worry about your weight or going on a diet. But today, the average age for a girl to start a diet is third grade.
This statistic compelled junior Grace Morgan to contact prevention specialist Diane Ash and start a leadership panel about health and fitness. Ash added Morgan’s ideas to an ongoing project of intern Kate Melton.
Why was FEEL created?
“The objective of it is to teach elementary school kids the importance about being confident in themselves…To let people be more aware of themselves and comfortable.”
What inspired you to start FEEL?
“I kept hearing stuff on the news, Ms. (Diane) Ash told me the average start of a girl starting on a diet is third grade. I felt like it was an important thing, that people were missing out on…that people weren’t talking about that needed to be talked about.”
What are your goals for FEEL?
“For it to be common knowledge to be healthy.”
Why are the issues of fitness and healthy living important to you?
“Me personally, I feel better and more confident about myself when I’m eating healthier and exercising. I felt like all my friends felt the same way.”
How did you go about starting FEEL?
“I emailed Ms. Ash and we had a meeting about it. We decided to just kind of let it marinate over the summer.”
So it’s been a work in progress?
“Yeah, we’ve been talking about it. Right now, I’m just trying to get people together. I really need guys.”
What else are you involved in at LHS?
“I run for cross country and track. I’m in choir and orchestra. As of this year I’m a part of environmental club and FYI club.”