Delta Program promotes healthy habits

It’s going to take some guts to speak in front of the public.

But Brianna Lumpkin and Sarah Stevenson-Pack said they’re shaking off their nerves and are ready to go.

The girls are two of six State College Area Delta Program high school students who will participate in the Body Monologues 7 p.m. Friday at the Delta auditorium.

It’s a presentation of thoughts and emotions to encourage people to be comfortable in their skin.

“I just want to tell people you’re good just the way you are,” freshman Stevenson-Pack said. “Society presses certain beauty standards, but it’s OK for people to be themselves.”

Lumpkin, 17, said she has a similar message, and will share a story about a friend who was bullied because of her physique.

“I didn’t do anything at first and waited too long to help, but it was a learning lesson to help as soon as you can,” Lumpkin said.

The presentation is the finale of a weeklong event that honored National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, health and physical education teacher Eric Marshall said.

“I think it’s just a reminder for students that they shouldn’t have to put so much pressure on themselves,” Marshall said.

On Monday, students entered the Delta Program facility on West Nittany Avenue to find all mirrors hidden behind construction paper.

Marshall said he went to the school Sunday to tape up the mirrors and turn them into a canvas for students to write positive thoughts that omitted anything about body image.

“It’s getting mixed reaction, because I think a lot of people are wanting to use the mirrors, but the message is that there are no standards this week,” Marshall said. “We’re promoting positive thoughts.”

The program was started by Marshall with inspiration from his wife, Megan Marshall.

“My wife ran track and field at Penn State and had issues with eating,” he said. “It was a struggle within herself, but (she) connected with people from Penn State and worked that out. We know there are people dealing with the same thing, but social media allows you to pretend you’re living differently, so we can take away influence from that and thought it was a good idea to bring to the Delta Program.”

The Delta Program is an alternative middle and high school program at the State College Area School District.

Marshall coordinated a different theme for every day of the program, which is in its first year.

On Wednesday, students were able to participate in Love Your Body Yoga in the Delta gymnasium conducted by Christy Beck, of State College-based Beck Psychotherapy.

There’s about 130 students in the program, but about half joined the session.

Beck started the yoga workshop with a free-for-all discussion on things students liked about their bodies, followed by a beginner yoga session.

Guests included Megan Marshall, and nutritionist and dietitian Jody Whipple.

“I love my muscles,” student Jack Williams said. “They allow me to lift things.”

Classmate Mary Rose Valentine said she admired her body because it was graceful.

And Beck chimed in saying her arms were one of her favorite qualities because they allow her to hug her children.

Marshall said he wanted to bring inspiration to others, but with the hopes of expanding the program to the State College Area High School next year.

“We’re getting a feel for it and hoping to expand, but more than anything we’re trying to make a positive impact,” he said.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 7:52 PM with the headline "Delta Program promotes healthy habits."