Iredell-Statesville Schools celebrate National Banana Day

Iredell-Statesville Schools went bananas on April 15 as cafeterias across the district celebrated National Banana Day with themed activities, decorations, nutrition education, and student engagement. Each school added its own creative twist to the day, making it a district-wide celebration full of smiles and a "bunch of fun." The celebration also encouraged students to explore healthy food choices in an engaging and memorable way. In addition, students enjoyed Berry Banana Milk as a special milk choice offered for the celebration, adding a fun themed beverage option to the day's menu.

Sharon Elementary brought a full lineup of banana-themed fun. The School Nutrition Team wore "Go Bananas" shirts and banana headbands, while Physical Education Teacher Clay Moore added excitement to the day in a banana suit, even riding a hoverboard through the dining room announcing, "Happy Banana Day." Students enjoyed bananas at lunch, received banana stickers, and experienced a fully decorated cafeteria featuring banana-themed décor and a festive photo backdrop, according to a news release.

At Troutman Middle School, students and staff joined in the celebration with decorated serving lines featuring balloons. The school showed its spirit by wearing yellow throughout the building, and one teacher even wore a banana suit.

Cool Spring Elementary celebrated in bright style as the school community wore yellow, including one student sporting a Savannah Bananas jersey. Students received banana stickers and, along with Coddle Creek Elementary and Central Elementary, participated in a creative activity where bananas featured uplifting messages, adding an extra touch of fun to the day.

At Coddle Creek Elementary, Prime Time provided classroom lessons on the benefits of bananas, highlighting their nutritional value as a nutrient-rich, digestion-friendly, fat-free, and convenient snack. Cafeteria manager Chanin Murawski shared, "The kids loved it and loved the messages with positive affirmations on the bananas."

At Third Creek Elementary, the café truly "went nanners," according to cafeteria manager Gwen Browning. Students completed banana-themed coloring sheets in the classroom, which were proudly displayed in the dining room. "They love pointing out their picture, and a few even let me get a photo … love these kiddos at the Creek," shared Browning.

North Iredell Middle School students and staff joined in the celebration by taking photos with their bananas, capturing fun memories throughout the day.

A special thank you goes out to Prime-Time Site Coordinators Denise Gallimore and Lisa Blaney for their support in helping make National Banana Day full of learning, laughter, and smiles.

These districtwide efforts continue to highlight the strong collaboration between School Nutrition staff, school teams, and Prime Time programs in creating engaging, positive student experiences.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 5:47 AM.