Hornets, Tidewater Unveil Fitness Room at Benjamin Franklin High School
By: Lindsey Mitchell, Hornets.com
April 26, 2012
Over 700 Benjamin Franklin High School students were on hand yesterday as the Hornets and Tidewater Marine Services dedicated a refurbished fitness room at the school and spent time talking to the students about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
Tidewater representatives Peter Lloyd and Clay Cambre joined Hornets President Hugh Weber and Elmwood personal trainer Chris Mercadel at the event, which was hosted by Hornets emcee Rob Nice. Hugo and the Honeybees also made appearances at the event, while the Benjamin Franklin cheerleading squad performed a special routine to celebrate the school’s new facilities.
Mercadel impressed upon the students how important it is exercise and make healthy decisions in regards to food selection.
“If you aren’t making healthy choices now, as high school students, you won’t make better choices when you move forward in your life,” Mercadel said. “It’s important to make better decisions now. At your age, I didn’t eat healthy, but when I graduated high school, I changed my life around and you can, too.”
Benjamin Franklin marks the fourth school to receive upgraded equipment and facilities from the partnership between Tidewater and the Hornets.
The Hornets and Tidewater are working hard to teach New Orleans youth the importance of being active and healthy, as well as providing a place for students to exercise. The Hornets are advocates of living long and healthy lives, eating healthy and being physically fit, while providing awareness and education on important health matters.
“We’re so honored to be here today and partner with Tidewater on your new fitness room,” said Hornets President Hugh Weber. “This new fitness room isn’t about new machines or having a new mural on the wall; it’s about your future. Through your time here at Ben Franklin, make a commitment to yourself to better yourself not only physically, but mentally and spiritually and become the best person you can be. And remember, it’s not just for yourself, but also for those sitting next to you and in your community.”
Principal Timothy Rusnak also spoke to students and expressed gratitude on behalf of the school to both the Hornets and Tidewater.
“We are incredibly grateful for this fitness center that will be enjoyed by everyone at Ben Franklin,” said Rusnak. “These two organizations are giving back to the community and that’s what it’s all about. Today we are truly honored by this gift and we thank Tidewater and the Hornets.”
blog comments powered by Disqus
