Lincoln Academy wellness teacher Radek Janik with students during Fitness and Weight Training class. The LA fitness center has been recently upgraded with support from the LA Boosters.
Lincoln Academy has made significant updates to the school’s fitness center this winter, including new equipment and a fresh coat of paint. These upgrades were organized by LA Athletic Trainer and Wellness co-Department Head Megan Day, and the school’s investment is being matched by the LA Boosters, who are supporting the project at the level of $5,000 per year over three years.
“The Boosters are happy to support this project because it impacts every student at LA. Fitness and Weight Training is a graduation requirement, meaning every student at some point learns how to use this equipment,” said Booster Vice President Andria Deitrick. “The Boosters make an effort to have their donations support all students, not just competitive athletes.”
“The Wellness Department has been budgeting for these updates for the past few years,” said Day. “Safety has been a driving factor to upgrade many of the outdated pieces. Last year we began replacing some older equipment and students really started to notice the changes. Fitness equipment is not cheap, but with help from Boosters, we have been able to replace many of the other outdated and unsafe equipment with these recent additions.”
“Every student has the opportunity to use this space to grow not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Students who consistently exercise report higher levels of self esteem, better sleep quality, reduction of anxiety and depression, and improvement in overall happiness as well as feeling stronger physically,” said Day, “it’s great to see students challenge themselves within the fitness center; most are stronger than they realize.”
Boosters raise funds through sales at their home game concession stands as well as their annual Booster Auction, which will take place this year on Saturday, March 22. The funds they raise support all athletic teams at LA as well as other student activities including Robotics, the Band and Choir trips to New York City, and publication of the school newspaper, the LA Talon.
“The Boosters are always looking for volunteers for the concession stand, and donations for the auction,” said Deitrick. Follow the LA Boosters on Facebook and Instagram or check their page on the LA website more information about how to volunteer.
