The following article was reported and written by Aurora Academy 8th Grader Rebekah Tresslar.

Wednesday, February 17, was time for the Aurora Academy Charter School's annual Health Fair. This year for the first time in six years, the school did not receive any organizing help from Nine News. And from reactions of everyone involved, the independent route worked spectacularly.

The Health Fair was viewed by all of Aurora Academy's 480 students from kindergarten through 8th grade. One hundred students at a time filed through the gym and experienced the nearly 20 stations that were filled with activities and information. This year's fair was masterfully organized by middle school teachers Brie Hadley and Beth Spencer. Displays ranged from a huge tooth mock up to sustainable building technology, from a worms and composting station to information about mental health.

The students worked on their projects for 12 weeks with focuses on nutrition, hygiene and a healthy Earth. Marissa Gonzalez, an 8th grader, said of the entire experience, "It (sic) is so amazing. We all worked extremely hard every day and it's a lot of work; but, I know it will all be worth it in the end knowing how much it will be appreciated and enjoyed."

Another 8th grader, Malachi Ferdinand, said the outcome truly reflected the intense effort the students put into it.

Was he ever right. The fair was a huge success. Students participated in hands-on activities which included hula hooping, rope jumping and pulse taking. They were taught some useful tips and rules that they could apply to everyday life. One of the most unique displays was the inside of an ambulance that many students were able to experience for the first time.

First grader Aidan Cacek found the visible difference between healthy and damaged lungs most impressive, and he loved the therapy dog brought by the outside organization Denver Pet Partners. Third grader Maddie Carbajal was taken with the wildfire display, the Go Green station and the smoothie sampling area where kids received a totally healthy juice, berry and yogurt concoction.

Each student was given a prize bag upon leaving the fair. Next year's fair will be on the planning board soon. Aurora Academy principal Stephen Garretson summed up the accomplishment saying this year's fair was "hands down the best I've seen." The independent staging of the fair this year was a wonderful challenge that the school met admirably and will hopefully improve on in years to come.

To learn more about Aurora Academy, visit us at www.aacademy.org