Thanks to a grant from the Valley Tech Education Foundation, students at Valley Tech now have the option to take advantage of yoga sessions conducted by skilled Yoga instructor Susie Masters from State of Grace Yoga & Wellness Center in Uxbridge.
Photo credit: Blackstone Valley Tech.

UPTON, Mass. – Among all demographics, there is no doubt that high school students are among the most stressed individuals in our society. The pressures on teens today come in many forms:  jam packed schedules including sports and other extracurricular activities, pressure to succeed, multiple tasking taken to new levels, and social stresses that are inherent in teen relationships, just to name a few.

Thanks to a grant from the Valley Tech Education Foundation, students at Valley Tech now have the option to take advantage of yoga sessions conducted by skilled Yoga instructor Susie Masters from State of Grace Yoga & Wellness Center in Uxbridge. The weekly classes take place after school and are free to students. The sessions quickly gained popularity, with large numbers of students now attending sessions on a regular basis.

“Yoga is a great workout and helps relieve stress,” stated Valley Tech senior Seanna Roy from Northbridge. “I use many of the techniques outside of class, and have even taught friends some of the yoga skills that I have learned in class.”

“In addition to the fitness and flexibility aspects offered through yoga, it gives students, and everyone who practice, the tools they need to manage stress,” commented Ms. Masters who has practiced yoga since she was a child. “There is no competition in yoga, so it is a great option for students to help build confidence while also promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

Additionally, Ms. Masters instructs a class for Valley Tech staff at a modest fee.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills.

The school’s website is www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.