PRINCESS ANNE, MD (October 7, 2024) – Washington Academy & High School (WAHS) recently announced the unveiling of its newly renovated & equipped weight room, thanks to generous donations from Wellpoint and the Impact Fitness Foundation (IFF). The transformation of the school’s outdated training space marks a major milestone for the school’s student athletes, and for enhancing the health and fitness opportunities available to all WAHS students.
“At Wellpoint, we believe that vibrant, healthy communities start with empowering our youth," said Dr. Darrell Gray, II, President of Wellpoint’s Medicaid health plan. "This project reflects our commitment to making a lasting difference in Maryland’s communities by creating spaces where children can thrive physically, mentally and academically.”
Wellpoint is dedicated to addressing the full spectrum of health needs through innovative programs and partnerships, ensuring that individuals and communities are supported at every stage of life. As a provider of Medicaid managed care health plans and individual ACA health plans offered via the Marketplace Exchange, Wellpoint's initiatives range from providing cutting-edge medical care to fostering wellness through social and behavioral health services, all aimed at creating a healthier, more resilient society.
"Schools play a crucial role in supporting the mental and physical health of their students," said Chris Welsh, Founder and President of the Impact Fitness Foundation. "This project at Washington High School exemplifies how dedicated fitness and movement spaces can drastically enhance student well-being. We are grateful for Wellpoint's partnership in bringing this vision to life and for their unwavering commitment to health equity."
Prior to its upgrade, the weight room at WAHS housed rusted weights and dumbbells more than 20 years old, and the floor was in disrepair. This donation provides students with modern, safe equipment, making it easier for them to pursue their fitness goals in a secure environment. The upgraded facility will now serve as a hub for physical education, athletic training, and general student wellness.
Volunteers from Wellpoint, IFF, and WAHS rolled up their sleeves to remove the old equipment, flooring and paint the area before assembling and organizing the newly donated equipment on October 4, 2024. The day culminated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with school officials, community members and the media, and concluded with a fitness clinic and equipment demonstration led by the IFF for the school’s coaches, teachers, and student-athletes.
“This donation is truly a game-changer,” said Mr. Shelton Handy, WAHS’ Interim Principal. “We are excited to empower students to become leaders in both fitness and academics. The newly upgraded weight room will provide access and new opportunities for our students to prioritize health and fitness, and we are deeply grateful to Wellpoint and the Impact Fitness Foundation for making all of this possible.”
(L-R) Lori Hammond, Dr. Darrell Gray II (Wellpoint); Chris Welsh (IFF); Shannon Loecher, Hieu Hguyen (Elevance Health) pause for a quick photo break during the installation & set up of the newly donated weight room at Washington Academy & High School.
(L-R) Chris Welsh (IFF); Shannon Loecher (Elevance Health) install and set up the newly donated weight room equipment at Washington Academy & High School.
Dr. Darrell Gray II of Wellpoint unpacks boxes of newly-donated dumbbells in Washington Academy & High School’s new weight room.
Lori Hammond of Wellpoint unpacks boxes of newly-donated barbell plates in Washington Academy & High School’s new weight room.
A student tries out the new equipment in Washington Academy & High School’s weight room as students and volunteers look on.
(L-R) Swen Brock, Dr. Darrell Gray II, Lori Hammond, Tracy Larrimore (Wellpoint); Joseph Larrimore (volunteer); Shannon Loecher, Hieu Hguyen (Elevance Health); Nykol Mariano (Wellpoint)
Representatives from Wellpoint gather for a celebratory photo after the installation of Washington Academy & High School’s new weight room.
About Wellpoint
Wellpoint, part of the Elevance Health family of brands, focuses on improving physical health as well as the behavioral and social drivers that impact it through a comprehensive suite of Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial products. The Wellpoint companies offer healthcare services for consumers at any stage of life seeking to make the right care decisions and helps individuals and communities make real, positive progress with health plans that foster independence, confidence, and whole-person health. For more information, please visit www.wellpoint.com.
About Impact Fitness Foundation
The Impact Fitness Foundation transforms unused or unsafe areas of a building into Motivational Fitness, Movement and Mindfulness spaces, designed as STEP 1 in promoting healthy habits and inspiring people of all ages to MOVE FORWARD. Our team of certified Fitness and Nutrition Coaches conduct clinics that illustrate how to utilize the new space, bringing it to life as STEP 2 of building a culture that can continue to grow and thrive, long after each project is complete. At IFF, we believe that STEP 3 of making a permanent IMPACT is the importance of ongoing growth and development. As part of our service, we provide complimentary resources within a continuing education community for leaders of IFF community organizations.
About Washington High School
Serving a rural, diverse community rooted in rich traditional values, Washington Academy and High School empowers all students to become innovative problem solvers and ethical leaders by providing engaging, technology enhanced instruction and balanced extra-curricular programs. We are committed to empowering our students to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. Our goal is to prepare every student to be college and career ready. This year, we aim to be proactive in making positive changes that will benefit our school community and empower our students to be leaders and innovators.