By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
April 10, 2001
PHILADELPHIA n It's not unusual to see the Conference Center of the Silver Star Hotel and Casino packed with people, coming and going to an exhibit, meeting or event.
However, the Monday morning crowd was a little young as compared to the usual ones visiting the Silver Star. All 1,800 students in grades K-12 of schools operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians gathered for a "Building A Healthier Lifestyle Family Celebration 2001," which concludes today.
The different schools competed in a question-and-answer game that resembled the popular "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" TV program. All of the questions had to do with the services provided by through the Tribe.
Afterwards, students browsed through the different booths.
In one area, titled the Health Zone, all visitors received "passports to health." Their medical information (such as blood pressure and sugar levels) was recorded while they went from station-to-station. They also learned about the different medical services available, and about medical problems that could crop up in their lives.
Other subjects covered included the Choctaw Vocational and Employment Service, the Family Violence and Victim Service, the Choctaw Credit Program, the Choctaw Fire and Rescue Service, the Department of Family and Community Services and the Choctaw Housing Authority.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.