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About seven months ago, Emma Ickes applied to become an ambassador for Morgan’s Message, an organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health among student-athletes. After being accepted, Emma reached out to her coach, Kayla, to organize a dedication game in honor of Morgan’s Message.

With support from her liaison at Morgan’s Message, Emma secured donations of wristbands, pins, and stickers to distribute at the event. She also collaborated with a family friend, Wayne Moda, who generously donated a custom Morgan’s Message banner to Wakefield Memorial High School. In addition to these donations, Emma purchased ribbons for the entire volleyball team, along with posters and brochures to help raise awareness about mental health.

On the day of the game, the volleyball team posed with the Morgan’s Message banner to spread the word on social media. The gym was decorated with streamers and balloons, and an information table was set up where attendees could make donations. Emma also donated $50 from the team’s concession sales to Morgan’s Message. Rather than focusing on large donations, Emma encouraged attendees to give what they could.

Before the game, Emma gave a heartfelt speech to recognize the importance of the event:

“As September is Suicide Awareness Month, the Wakefield Volleyball Program is dedicating today’s game to the life and legacy of Morgan Rodgers, a former Duke University Lacrosse student-athlete who tragically passed away in July 2019 after battling mental health struggles. Although her life was cut way too short, her legacy of unconditional love remains.

Morgan’s Message was created by her family and teammates with the mission to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, normalize conversations about it, and ensure that mental health is treated equally to physical health for student-athletes. We elevate her story to provide a platform where others feel safe to share their own, be a catalyst for change in our mental healthcare system, and foster a community where tomorrow always exists.

Morgan’s Message is clear: As athletes, there’s no shame in seeking physical healthcare, and the same should be true for mental healthcare. Together, we can close the gap and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. For more information about Morgan’s life and legacy, visit MorgansMessage.org. If you’d like to make a donation, please visit our information table. Now, please join me in a moment of silence in memory of Morgan Rodgers.”

The game served as an incredible opportunity to raise awareness about mental health, and Emma plans to continue spreading this message. She hopes to start a club called Service Over Self at Wakefield, where student-athletes from all sports—both male and female—can learn how to get involved in causes like Morgan’s Message and The Happiness Project. Her vision is to organize more dedication games across different sports teams and get further involved in mental health initiatives.

The Happiness Project’s mission to elevate happiness while supporting those impacted by mental health issues is another cause close to Emma’s heart. Their motto, “It’s okay to not be okay,” aligns with her goals, and a portion of their apparel sales goes to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which Emma hopes to support even more in the future.

Emma is committed to promoting mental health awareness among current and future student-athletes. She believes mental health is often an overlooked aspect of athletics, but one that is vitally important. She welcomes any suggestions or feedback to help her continue to spread this message and make an impact.

The Hauppauge High School girls volleyball team recently participated in the third annual Team Mackenzie Volleyball Tournament in support of Angela’s House, an organization dedicated to helping medically fragile children and their families. All proceeds from the tournament, including funds raised through T-shirt sales, raffles, food and registration fees, went directly to this important cause.

The tournament honors Mackenzie, the daughter of Tracy Borchers, a physical education teacher in Hauppauge. Mackenzie was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart condition. Despite many hospital stays and medical challenges, Mackenzie always showed incredible strength and perseverance. The event was created in her memory to continue raising awareness and support for Angela’s House.

Though Mackenzie is no longer with us, this tournament helps the Hauppauge community celebrate her legacy while contributing to the vital work of Angela’s House. 

In anticipation of the tournament, students around the Hauppauge School District wore red to show their support. Additionally, on Oct. 6, the girls volleyball program will participate in the annual Angela’s House Walk as part of Team Mackenzie. 

Photo captions:  

1: The Hauppauge High School girls volleyball team played against Commack High School in the third annual Team Mackenzie Volleyball Tournament in support of Angela’s House. 

2-3: Bretton Woods Elementary students wore red in support of Team Mackenzie ahead of the third annual Team Mackenzie Volleyball Tournament.  

 

Photos courtesy of Hauppauge School District.  

Founded by a group of students during their freshman year at Marshfield High School, the Gold Ribbon Club has grown into a powerful force for change as these students now enter their senior year. Dedicated to raising awareness of pediatric cancer through acts of kindness and year-round fundraising, the club has become a vital part of the Marshfield community. As they prepare to graduate, they continue to make an incredible impact.

Each September, in recognition of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, the Gold Ribbon Club partners with South Shore Action for Hope, a local charity that coordinates fundraising and awareness efforts for pediatric cancer, Type 1 diabetes, and mental health. Throughout the month, the Gold Ribbon Club hosts a variety of events aimed at raising both awareness and funds to support pediatric cancer research.

Here’s how they’re making a difference:

• Open House Sales Tables: The club runs sales tables at school open houses, raising funds and awareness by selling gold merchandise.
• Marshfield Swag Sale: Partnering with Rockland Athletics, the club hosts a swag sale, with proceeds supporting pediatric cancer research.
• Go Gold Games: Marshfield fall sports teams, including girls’ soccer, football, volleyball, field hockey, cross country, and boys’ soccer, select a Go Gold Game. Athletes wear gold items like socks or helmet stickers and make a donation to the cause. Spectators are encouraged to wear gold as well. At some games, club members walk through the stands with a golden boot to collect donations, while at others, they sell gold merchandise at a table.
• Go Gold Week: Students and staff across the district are encouraged to donate spare change to fill their school’s golden boot, with all proceeds going to pediatric cancer research. The week culminates with Go Gold Friday, when everyone is asked to wear gold to show their support for children impacted by pediatric cancer.

The Gold Ribbon Club’s efforts have grown each year. In 2022, they raised $8,389.64. This year, they are setting their sights even higher, with a goal of raising $10,000!

Through their dedication, compassion, and community spirit, the Gold Ribbon Club continues to make a lasting impact on the fight against pediatric cancer.

On September 11th, the Long Beach Varsity Cheer team took to the boardwalk to cheer on and support participants in the 34.3-mile run and bike event. This special event, held in remembrance of 9/11, brought together runners and bikers who pushed themselves through a challenging course, and our cheerleaders were there every step of the way to lift spirits and boost morale.

The team’s energy and enthusiasm helped motivate participants, keeping them smiling and encouraged as they took on the long and meaningful journey. By being there to support the athletes, the cheer squad played an important role in making the event even more special for everyone involved.