Written by Hannah Cheng (Class of 2027), Zoe Hui(Class of 2026), Ashley Dong(Class of 2025)
Photos by Selene Luong(Class of 2027)

Blue Zones is an international organization that promotes a healthy living style that was found through scientific studies. We can “empower individuals and communities to live better and longer” by following the “Power 9” principle they summarized, which include eating less sugar and exercising regularly.

In the spring semester of 2024, the Associated Student Body came together, led by Katherine Wang, the Vice President of ASB, to form the wellness team that worked toward the goal of enforcing all the policies offered by Blue Zones in our school. 

In the spring semester of 2024, Developing Virtue Secondary School was finally acknowledged as a Blue Zone School! 

On September 19, 2024, during the celebration of our ribbon-cutting ceremony, excitement filled the air as we marked our recognition as a Blue Zone School. The ASB team, including Katherine, Erica, Ashley, Zoe, and Hannah, each took turns giving heartfelt speeches, sharing their visions for a healthier school community, and expressing gratitude for everyone’s support. Their words inspired us all to embrace the principles of Blue Zones.

After the speeches, we enjoyed a delicious spread of food, featuring tasty vegan fish balls that everyone raved about. To add a fun twist, we had a smoothie station where we had to pedal on bikes to generate power for the juicer. It was a unique way to promote healthy living, and everyone loved getting involved! The atmosphere was filled with laughter, joy, and a shared commitment to our wellness journey.

We came together to celebrate this wonderful and valuable moment, which encompasses the collective aspirations and attentive endeavors of our entire community. To build a green, healthy school community has always been the first thing we wish to achieve, with the principles and good ideas that Blue Zone advocates, the school will reinforce the policy of the “Power 9”, to work closely and achieve our ultimate goal. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all those who have supported us, including the Blue Zone team, our esteemed teachers, parents and classmates, and our community.

The Blue Zones team that made this possible:

Hi everyone! My name is Katherine and I was a student leader for the DVGS Blue Zones Project last year. I was part of this initiative since my sophomore year, when the Blue Zones Project started in 2022. 

However, with a very small team at the time, most of our progress came from last school year. The associated student body was able to become part of the Blue Zones team, and throughout monthly meetings with Michelle, we were able to organize a list of policies to implement and events to host, including walking moais, family events, and purpose workshops, all to improve the students’ wellbeing. After collecting evidence to be submitted to the Blue Zones approval committee, last June our school finally became Blue Zones approved.

I have really enjoyed being a part of this process to make our school and community happier and healthier, and very thankful to Michelle and everyone in the team for making it possible.
– Katherine Wang

Hello! My name is Erica and I was the Associated Student Body President last school year. Last year, when the Blue Zones Initiative merged with the student body to form the wellness team, I got the chance to come in contact with the initiative and its principles. I was in charge of organizing the school handbook to make sure it accorded with Blue Zones principles and hosting family well-being events at our school. It has been a great pleasure being part of the team! 
– Erica Lai

Hi everyone, I am Zoe and I’m very happy that our school has officially become a Blue Zone School. Last year, as a sophomore, I participated in the meetings and activities that contributed to this achievement. It’s a clear sign of our collective effort to promote healthier habits and well-being. Let’s stay committed to these values and continue making positive changes. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this success.
– Zoe Hui

Hi everyone, my name is Hannah. I am a sophomore this year. Last year, I was lucky to be in the BZ team, where I was able to help collect evidence from our school gardens and our meditation wellness. Through the process of becoming a BZ school, I eventually realized the importance of exercising regularly alongside many of my peers. Overall, it was a great experience working with the BZ team, and I’m glad we made it. We are now approved as a BZ school! Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
– Hannah Cheng

Hi everyone, my name is Ashley, and I am the current vice president of the Associated Student Body. I would like to congratulate our school for getting approved to become a Blue Zone school after the hard work and dedication of everyone’s effort. I want to thank all the teachers, parents and our schoolmates who supported us throughout the way. We all had a really good experience that Blue Zone Activities has brought to us. In the future, we wish to collaborate with Blue Zone to further enhance our school, as well as the community. A big thanks to everyone who participated and supported us.
– Ashley Dong