News

For its commitment to student health and wellness, Santa Catalina School has earned a designation as a Blue Zones Project Approved School.

“Blue Zones” is a term given to different regions around the world where people are living the longest and healthiest lives. The Blue Zones Project is an organization that draws on shared principles found in these regions, such as moving naturally and putting family first, to improve the well-being of other communities.

“After learning more about the Blue Zones Project in Monterey, it was apparent how the work they do complements the work we do here through our health and wellness program,” said program director Sofia Chandler.

Catalina’s student health and wellness committee worked with local representatives of the Blue Zones Project for about a year to earn site validation.

Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School alumna Tanja Roos ’94 LS, community program manager for the Blue Zones Project, and Paul Ligorski, organization lead, presented the school with a certificate of approval during Assembly on March 6. Roos cited the school’s healthy menus, afternoon snack cart, and dedicated Well-being Days as some of the efforts that align Catalina with the Blue Zones principles.

Santa Catalina is the fourth school on the Monterey Peninsula—and the first high school in the county—to be named as a Blue Zones Project Approved School.

To learn more about the Blue Zones Project, see montereycounty.bluezonesproject.com.