Hawai‘i Prep Academy Blue Zone Approved

Carol Ignacio, Blue Zones Project Government and Community Affairs manager—Hawaii Island, congratulates HPA Head of School Robert McKendry during a special assembly to celebrate the schoolʻs Blue Zones Project Approved Status. HPA achieved this milestone by completing the Blue Zones Project School Pledge. Courtesy photo.

More than 600 students in grades K through 12, parents and employees gathered in Hawaii Preparatory Academyʻs Castle Gym on Monday morning, Jan. 23, to celebrate the schoolʻs Blue Zones Project Approved Status.

The school achieved this milestone by completing the Blue Zones Project School Pledge.

Carol Ignacio, Blue Zones Project Government and Community Affairs manager—Hawaiʻi Island, and Blue Zones Project team members were on hand at the special all-school assembly to present banners and certificates to administrators and K through 12 student council members.

“You have completed the School Pledge to become a full-fledged Blue Zones Approved school and weʻre here to celebrate and acknowledge that,” said Ignacio.

Mark Noetzel, HPAʻs dean of campus life, leads the school community in a cheer, concluding a special assembly held January 23 to celebrate HPAʻs Blue Zones Project Approved Status. Courtesy photo.

Through the Blue Zones Project initiative, HPA has committed to optimizing its campus environment so students are supported to eat better, be physically and socially more active and act with mindfulness.

The schoolʻs Ulumau and Ulu Malama farm-to-table initiatives teach students that growing healthy food fosters healthy lifestyles, which in turn manifests healthy communities.

Sodexo Food Services purchases local first whenever possible so the freshest fruits, vegetables and meats are served in the dining halls.

The school also encourages students to participate fully in physical education, athletics, and events and activities such as the Keiki Triathlon, Bieni 5k Fun Run and Dog Walk, outdoor education hikes and biking to school, to reduce sedentary time.

“The Blue Zones Project is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to consciously focus on choices to improve quality of life,” said Head of School Robert McKendry. “At HPA, educating ourselves for a healthy lifestyle is as essential as achieving academic success.”

For more information about HPAʻs School Pledge Actions and about Blue Zones, visit www.hpa.edu/connecting/parents/blue-zones.