Actress Cameron Diaz visited Huntington High School on Monday afternoon, standing before a crowd of 1,200 students for nearly 40 minutes and delivering a positive, uplifting message of empowerment.
A first-time author, Ms. Diaz’ lifestyle guide, The Body Book was released on New Year’s Eve. She discussed the new book with Huntington students, urging them to “empower yourself” and “make more good decision than bad.” Grounded in science and based on her personal experiences, the book details the actresses’ philosophy for “becoming happier, healthier, and stronger.”
Ms. Diaz looked fresh-faced and appeared to be in a great mood after attending the Golden Globes in Los Angeles on Sunday night and at least one after-party. She flew into New York and headed to Huntington High School where she stood in the well of the auditorium and commanded the packed house, never struggling to find words and easily connecting with the teenagers. “This is my kind of crowd,” she told students.
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“Cameron Diaz’s visit caused great excitement,” Principal Carmela Leonardi said. “We were all curious about such a renowned actress and were looking forward to her positive message. It was an experience we will not soon forget.”
Those who might have wondered if Ms. Diaz could stand before a large crowd of teenagers for an extended period and successfully make her case were awed. She displayed a sense of humor along with wit and wisdom that many did not know she possessed. Students were fascinated when she told them, “I didn’t even go to my own prom. It’s just not for me.”
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Born in San Diego and raised in Long Beach, California, Ms. Diaz began modeling as a 16 year old and appeared in her first film, The Mask when she was 21. She has appeared in more than 40 movies and is currently filming two more.
Dressed casually in jeans, a mid-sleeve top and comfy boots, Ms. Diaz came across as very articulate. She explained why she wrote The Body Book and how she spoke with professors and doctors while conducting research for it.
The 41year-old’s presentation took on a folksy tone as she used the contraction of words, “y’all” several times. Students from social studies teacher Camille Tedeschi’s Women’s Studies class developed questions to ask Ms. Diaz and one-by-one they posed them to the famous actress, who graciously fielded the probes and gave long answers, including describing her own fitness regimen.
The four-time Golden Globes nominee discussed how she went about gathering information her new book and what she learned along the way. Ms. Diaz let slip that she is a “science nerd” and admitted she watches the National Geographic Channel.
Displaying an impressive knowledge of the body, nutrition, diet, exercise and biological and physiological functions, Ms. Diaz was at ease before the crowd of teenagers, although she admitted “I am not used to talking to kids.” She explained how she maintains her discipline for a healthy lifestyle despite a hectic schedule.
The actress said that after getting up each morning she brushes her teeth, drinks a bottle of water and puts on sneakers and headphones and dances for 15 minutes. She repeatedly urged students to move as much as they can each day and warned against the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, evening defining the term for the teenagers.
The actress implored girls not to compare themselves to others. Ms. Diaz said those engaging in such comparisons are committing “a brutal assault on themselves.” She said her new book seeks to “empower” young people, telling the Huntington students to “take command” of their own bodies and make “good choices.” She explained how “strong bodies lead to happiness and success.”
The visit to Huntington High School developed as a result of a phone call from Book Revue to school nurse Martha Ironman. Ms. Diaz was set to sign her book at Book Revue on January 13 and the actress want to present an assembly to a small group of high school students that afternoon. “Well, to be honest, that was not going to work at Huntington High School, so I kept asking until I got the okay for them to present a whole school assembly,” Mrs. Ironman said.
Huntington students were excited about the visit and gave Ms. Diaz a thunderous welcome. “If Cameron Diaz can help one kid feel better about themself then it will be worthwhile,” Ms. Ironman said. So, that one phone call in December evolved into something pretty amazing.”
“Grounded in science and informed by real life, The Body Book offers a comprehensive overview of the human body and mind, from the cellular level up,” according to a promotional profile. “From demystifying and debunking the hype around food groups to explaining the value of vitamins and minerals, readers will discover why it’s so important to embrace the instinct of hunger and to satisfy it with whole, nutrient-dense foods. Cameron also explains the essential role of movement, the importance of muscle and bone strength and why we need to sweat a little every day.”
Ms. Diaz encouraged students to be proactive in their quest for good physical and mental health. “You have to start within yourself to do something great in the world,” she said.
Huntington students gave Ms. Diaz an ovation when her time with them had come to an end. She wore a big smile on her face as she left the auditorium, waving to her newfound friends.
