Earl J. Lennard High School on February 18th celebrated the unveiling of its newly transformed weight room, made possible through a partnership with Wellpoint and the Impact Fitness Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on expanding access to fitness and movement spaces. The renovation provides a modern, inspiring fitness space that will support more than 800 student-athletes and marks the school’s first major update to the facility in nearly two decades.
The investment reflects a shared commitment to ensuring young people have equal opportunities to access fitness resources and build healthy habits early in life. For many students, schools are one of the few places where safe, structured fitness spaces are available. Research shows that physical activity habits formed during adolescence are more likely to carry into adulthood, yet fewer than one in four high school students meets recommended daily activity levels—underscoring the importance of introducing fitness early and making it accessible where students already are.
Over the course of two days, approximately 50 volunteers worked together to revitalize the space, installing turf flooring, assembling and organizing new equipment, applying graphics, and adding much-needed storage solutions. The project culminated in a ribbon-cutting celebration and formal reveal attended by school leaders and community partners.
“This new weight room represents so much more than updated equipment,” said Richard Peacock, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Lennard High School. “It’s a space our 2500 students can take pride in, one that encourages healthy habits, builds confidence, and supports their growth both on and off the field.”
As part of the celebration, coaches, teachers, and student-athlete leaders participated in a fitness clinic led by the Impact Fitness Foundation to help them get oriented to the new space. Lennard High School also received a formal fitness curriculum to support ongoing instruction and athlete development moving forward.
“Wellpoint is advancing whole health by investing in the communities where people live, learn, and play,” said Dr. Marc Kaprow, D.O., Chief Medical Director at Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. and representative of Wellpoint in Florida. “Through initiatives like this, Wellpoint is expanding access to the tools and opportunities students need to safely build healthy habits early and strengthen communities over time.”
Chris Welsh, Founder and President of the Impact Fitness Foundation, added: “High school is a critical time for establishing positive relationships with movement and fitness. Our goal is to create spaces that motivate, inspire, and empower students. This project is a powerful example of what can happen when schools, nonprofits, and corporate partners come together to serve young people.”
