The national honor society Eta Sigma Gamma is hoping to make a difference in the health of Holt, Ala., residents.

The University of Alabama’s Delta Xi chapter of the organization provides opportunities to students interested in health education to apply classroom knowledge in impactful ways.

“Students are able to apply their classroom material to real life scenarios, all in a genuine effort to provide health education and promotion service activities to those in need,” chapter president Jamie Schumacker said.

Schumacker said Holt, was an easy choice considering its struggle to recover from the April 27, 2011 tornado and economic strife. Located only five miles from campus, Schumacker decided it was the perfect place to take the society’s efforts.

The honor society has been involved with the Holt Community Partnership since 2012. The non-profit organization seeks to help the area bounce back through education, advocacy and community-wide events.

(See also “Storm prompts campaign to make Holt a city“)

“ESGDX hopes to continue working with Holt to create a healthier community, especially in the lives of the younger generation,” Schumacker said. “Our main focus has been providing health education to children in grades K-6 [through the] HCF and an after school program.”

For now, the honor society is preparing for Holt’s upcoming community festival on April 12. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holt High School football field, attendees will find tents set up by local food and merchandise vendors, as well as live music and entertainment from local artists.

ESGDX is teaming up with the University’s Student Dietetic Association and the UA Exercise Physiology Club to host a tent that will have fun ways to educate children through physical activity.

“Our Olympics-themed table will have five stations with activities promoting diet, exercise and disaster preparedness,” ESGDX member Amelia Warriner said. “The kids will get a star for every station they complete, and we will give medals for those who complete all five.”

(See also “Holt teens learn to use their voice“)

The ESGDX tent will also have information on their honor society as well as hand outs focused on healthy behaviors for children and important disaster preparedness tips for the whole family.

ESGDX treasurer Christine Hackman said she hopes the honor society’s efforts will continue to help Holt along with the greater Tuscaloosa community, continuing to look at the bigger picture.

“Our goals are important because being able to provide accurate and relevant health education to community members benefits the community as a whole,” Hackman said. “The community is more informed and can make better decisions about health and well-being.”

Holt’s community festival will be open to the public, and those interested are encouraged to bring their entire family along.

UA’s Eta Sigma Gamma chapter is still growing, and any donations will go towards providing supplies for the after school program and the festival. For more information, or to find ways to help out visit their fundraising page, gofundme.com/6z1t7o.

(See also “Holt looks to promote racial unity“)