November 10, 2025
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Taunton, MA — Energy and excitement filled the air as Taunton High School celebrated the launch of its brand-new Fitness Court® Studio, becoming one of the leading schools in Massachusetts to join the statewide wellness campaign presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) and National Fitness Campaign (NFC).
Students, faculty, civic leaders, and community members gathered on campus for the ceremony, which marked a major milestone in the school’s ongoing commitment to student and community wellness. The Fitness Court Studio sits along a popular walking loop near student and staff parking, seamlessly integrating into the rhythm of campus life.
The high school, serving approximately 2800-2900 students in grades 8–12, is part of the larger Taunton Public Schools district, which enrolls roughly 8,300 students across PK–12. The Fitness Court Studio will support the high school’s health and wellness curriculum while providing a free, accessible space for both students and the broader community to engage in movement and fitness.
The celebration began with welcoming remarks from Wellness Director Brad Sidwell, who emceed the event, followed by words from Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and Greg DeMello, Chair of the School Committee. Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, spoke about the importance of creating equitable opportunities for fitness and community connection.
“Blue Cross is committed to helping people live healthy lives and eliminating the physical and social barriers that lead to health disparities,” said Jeff Bellows. “We’re proud to partner with NFC and Taunton Public Schools to launch a Fitness Court Studio that will provide Taunton High School students and the greater Taunton area with a communal gathering space and access to premiere free outdoor fitness opportunities.”
The program continued with remarks from Superintendent John J. Cabral, who served as the event’s Lead Ambassador. Superintendent Cabral reflected on how the new Fitness Court Studio will enhance student wellness and align with Taunton High School’s health curriculum — providing a hands-on resource that supports both physical education and lifelong wellbeing.
“We’re proud to bring the Fitness Court Studio to Taunton High School as new resources that will enhance our existing wellness and physical education programs,” Cabral said. “These spaces give our students more opportunities to be active, strengthen healthy habits and enjoy learning outdoors. We’re also excited to open the Fitness Court to the wider Taunton community after school hours, creating a shared space that promotes health, connection and belonging.”
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Following the ribbon cutting, students from the high school’s wellness program joined YMCA seniors in a live Fitness Court Studio demonstration, showcasing beginner and advanced movements across all seven zones. The event wrapped with music, celebration, and smiles as the community came together to mark the start of a new era of fitness on campus.
“We are excited to have Taunton High School join us in the journey to improve health and wellness as we work to make a powerful and long lasting impact on health outcomes and happiness by building healthy schools across America,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of National Fitness Campaign. “The addition of the outdoor Fitness Court® Studio, along with digital wellness programming, demonstrates a tremendous commitment to the health and wellbeing within the Taunton Public School community.”
With a high school population of nearly 3,000 students, Taunton High School is poised to make a big impact on student wellness, while the district’s 8,300 students benefit from the broader culture of health and movement promoted across Taunton Public Schools.
