For many families across Judson ISD, the district’s first-ever School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) Health Fair was more than just a community event — it was a reflection of how schools, families and local organizations can work together to support the health and wellbeing of students both inside and outside the classroom.

Held with the support of dozens of community partners and volunteers, the inaugural health fair transformed into a family-focused celebration of wellness, education and connection. From health resources and interactive activities to food trucks and hands-on demonstrations, the event created a welcoming environment where students and parents could explore healthy living together in a fun and engaging way.

The event also highlighted a growing priority for school districts across Texas: supporting the “whole child” through physical health, emotional wellbeing, family engagement and community partnerships.

Judson ISD’s SHAC Health Fair Brings Wellness Into the Community

Organized entirely by the School Health Advisory Committee, the health fair brought together health- and wellness-focused businesses and community groups from throughout the San Antonio area to provide resources, education and interactive experiences for families of all ages.

With the help of approximately 70 community volunteers, the event featured attractions that kept students and families engaged throughout the day. Families lined up at food trucks that drew visitors from across the community, while children enjoyed bounce houses, bubbles, face painting and other activities designed to make healthy living feel approachable and fun.

Students also had the opportunity to explore emergency response and military equipment up close. ESD-11 brought a fire truck for children to tour, while the Training Support Company from Camp Bullis showcased equipment that allowed students to interact with gear and learn more about public service careers.

The family-friendly atmosphere underscored the district’s efforts to create meaningful opportunities for community connection while promoting student wellness beyond the school day.

Community Collaboration at the Center of the Event

The health fair was coordinated by SHAC member Kayla Cid, whose leadership helped bring together vendors, volunteers and activities for the large-scale community event.

“Kayla did an outstanding job coordinating the event from start to finish,” said Amy Stevens, director of health services. “Her organization and passion was a huge reason the [event succeeded].”

District leaders said the event reflected the broader mission of SHAC and Judson ISD’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between schools, families and the surrounding community.

“This Health Fair was a perfect example of what can be accomplished when we work together with a shared vision,” said Paula Johnson, executive director of student engagement. “The collaboration among families, staff, community partners and volunteers truly reflected SHAC’s commitment to supporting the whole child.”

That sense of collaboration was visible throughout the event as parents connected with local organizations, students explored hands-on activities and volunteers worked together to create an inclusive experience centered on wellness and family engagement.

Why School Health Fairs Matter for Families

Across Texas, school districts are increasingly using community health fairs and wellness events to bridge the gap between schools and local resources. Events like the SHAC Health Fair help families access health information, wellness services and community support systems in familiar, family-friendly settings.

For parents, these events can offer practical information about nutrition, physical activity, emotional wellness and community programs. For students, they create positive associations around healthy habits and encourage engagement through interactive experiences.

In Judson ISD, the success of the first SHAC Health Fair also demonstrated the strong community support surrounding student wellness initiatives and family-centered programming.

As districts continue focusing on student engagement and whole-child development, events like this help reinforce the idea that schools serve as more than educational institutions — they also function as community hubs where families can connect, learn and grow together.

Looking Ahead to Next Year’s SHAC Health Fair

Following the strong turnout and positive community response, district leaders and organizers are already looking ahead to future opportunities to expand the event.

The success of the inaugural SHAC Health Fair showcased the power of volunteerism, local partnerships and shared community investment in student wellbeing. For many families, the event provided not only entertainment and resources, but also a reminder of the strong network of support surrounding Judson ISD students.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.