Harwood students mark Mental Health Awareness with multiple activities
May 23, 2024 | By Jennifer Dreimiller
Harwood Boys Lacrosse players (left to right): Tyler Gaidys, Evan Andrews, Braden Martens and Teighen Fils-Aime. Photo by Poppy Woods
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Harwood Union Middle/High School students are observing it in multiple ways.
Last year we created a mural inside the school’s main entrance with the message “You are not alone.” This year so far there has been a series of activities and efforts around mental health awareness.
This past Monday, the boys varsity lacrosse team had a home game where spectators were asked to wear green, donate or purchase treats and snow cones, and cheer on the boys playing Fairfax (HU won 15-0). All of the proceeds from the event went to the Alliance of Hope for suicide loss survivors.
Another event included interested Harwood students getting together to watch the documentary film, “Anxious Nation,” and participate in a discussion led by school counselors following the film, noting the impact of social media on anxiety for adolescents. The film screening was sponsored by community partner, Hannah's House.
A panel of UVM athletes came to Harwood, including one of the men's soccer goalies and a member of the UVM women's hockey team, to discuss mental health and college athletics. The panel was led by Dr. Kelly Thorne, director of Catamount Sports Psychology and Counseling.
Harwood Boys Lacrosse wore green jerseys recently to observe May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Photo by Poppy Woods
Inspirational speaker, Ed Gerety came to Harwood for an all-school assembly to kick off the month. Crossett Brook 7th and 8th graders joined and Gerety covered important topics including personal responsibility, decision-making, gratitude and kindness.
Harwood teachers supported the cause in various ways including committing to host one wellness-based extended learning opportunity period in May.
Finally, students dedicated one of the theme days for Spirit Week this week to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month by swapping their usual black and gold attire to wear green in solidarity for mental health awareness.
All of these events were organized by the Youth Enriching Wellness student club at Harwood. The members of this club are passionate about reducing the stigma around mental health so that teens can get the support they need and promote a learning environment where mental health is prioritized.
Jennifer Dreimiller is the Middle Level School Counselor at the Harwood Union Middle/High School Wellness Center.