July 19, 2012 – Ali Vincent, the first female winner of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” was the highlight of yesterday’s Final General Session at SNA’s 2012 Annual National Conference (ANC) in Denver.
Vincent’s positive and inspirational speech detailed her personal philosophy “Believe It, Be It,” and shared experiences from her book, Believe It, Be It: How Being the Biggest Loser Won Me Back My Life. The importance of these beliefs were crystal clear as she detailed to the audience that by learning the power of goal setting and believing in herself she was able to take the first steps to her amazing transformation.
Vincent said, “There is no start and end to a healthy lifestyle -- it's a choice!”
Vincent’s positive message and attitude was a powerful and inspirational reminder to school nutritional professionals to take positive steps to reach their own goals. And it was also a perfect culmination of the entire conference, with a fresh reminder of this year’s ANC theme, “Explore New Horizons!”
Those in attendance at the Final General Session also saw the installation of 2012-13 SNA President Sandra Ford, SNS, who laid forth the strategic pillars that will guide the Association into the future. To learn more about SNA’s vision, mission and values that will connect all members—at every level—to the goals of our strategic pillars, click here.
SNA President Sandra Ford also introduced SNA’s new personal wellness initiative for members, which was a perfect complement to Vincent’s message. Sponsored by Jennie-O, the STEPS Challenge details its objective in the acronym STEPS:
Ford said, “Many of us struggle with making time to exercise and devoting ourselves to our overall well-being. Dedicating time and effort to our health can be a balancing act, but what better motivation than serving as role models for students?” To sign up for STEPS and gain access to healthy recipes, fitness ideas prize drawings and more, click here.
Attendees also gleaned valuable information from Wednesday’s education sessions, including offerings that covered the new meal pattern requirements, how schools can end childhood hunger, marketing a school nutrition operation’s efforts, and farm to school.
On Wednesday night, the ANC Final Event felt more like a day at the beach, with hundreds of conference attendees decked out in summertime garb to see one of the most iconic bands of all time, The Beach Boys. You could feel the excitement in the air as the band took to the stage and began to play some of their classic hits, including “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Barbara Ann,” “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun” and an encore performance of “Kokomo."
This memorable evening was full of “Good Vibrations,” and the perfect conclusion to ANC 2012—where once again school nutrition professionals came together in fellowship and camaraderie for the good of the profession.
And while ANC may be over for another year, here’s a video that’s sure to get you jazzed about ANC 2013 to be held in Kansas City, Mo. We hope to see you there!
The ANC conversation doesn’t have to end just because the conference is over! You can keep it going on our social media sites—comment on our posts, share your thoughts about the conference and post pictures. Connect with SNA on Facebook, follow @SchoolLunch on Twitter and view candids of your favorite conference moments on Flickr, www.flickr.com/schoolnutrition.