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It was a workout featuring cheer and celebration as Suffolk resident Louvenia White celebrated her 102nd birthday with an exercise routine at East Suffolk Recreation Center.

With her tiara and birthday sash, White, along with her niece Betty Brooks and fellow classmates, honored her and this milestone birthday while exercising and maintaining their health with Suffolk Senior Aerobics Instructor Betty Figg-Cartwright. 

“As an instructor, do you know how special it is that I can flip around and tell everybody that I got a 102-year-old in my class? I win the prize,” Figg-Cartwright said during the class with applause from her students. “This is the way to age, right here. So we celebrate you this day, we celebrate you all days. We are blessed that you are here with us.”

Figg-Cartwright placed a big pink, blue and yellow birthday candle next to White’s  wheelchair to mark the momentous occasion. Following the exercise, recreation staff members and class attendants continued the celebration with a birthday party in her honor. 

Before the party, White spoke on how she felt about her milestone.

“I feel fine. It’s great to be alive. I worked hard all my life,” said White after the exercise. “I am glad to be here.”

Suffolk Parks and Recreation Fitness Specialist Melissa Clark added how special this occasion was for everyone.

“It is not often that you get to witness something so special like someone who’s 102 years old who can move and exercise,” Clark said.