Camden High School Hosts Morgan’s Message Night and Raises Awareness for Student-Athlete Mental Health

At Camden High School, the mission of the Morgan’s Message Club remains unwavering – to advocate for student-athlete mental health and promote positive conversations on mental well-being. On Monday, December 9th, the club held its first-ever winter event during Camden’s varsity volleyball matchup against East Syracuse-Minoa, marking another significant milestone in the club’s journey.

Founded by student-athlete Ryen Lago, the Morgan’s Message Club is part of a larger national non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness for student-athlete mental health in honor of Morgan Rodgers, a Duke University lacrosse player who tragically died by suicide in 2019. Rodgers had faced mental health struggles while managing the pressures of being a Division I athlete. The club, led by Lago, aims to provide a space for student-athletes to seek help and openly discuss their mental health without judgment.

Lago, who has been an athlete since she was four years old, used the platform to share her personal experiences and the importance of mental health in the student-athlete community. “We’re all here to spread a common goal: Mental health is important and there is no judgment in seeking help,” Lago shared with the crowd. “It really does take a village… This community has come together for a cause, and it’s something that I cannot thank everyone enough for.”

With the support of Principal Aaron Fiorini, Athletic Director Josh Mazzaferro, and founding adviser Michelle Mellon, Lago’s dream of establishing the club quickly took shape. Through their dedication, the club raised over $600 at their first event during the fall, and the volleyball night raised an additional $400 through raffles and generous donations.

During the December 9th event, there were raffles, special t-shirts worn by players during warm-ups, and speeches from Lago and volleyball captain Hailey Gladle. A significant highlight was the announcement of a $1,000 donation from International Wire to further the club’s mission. The club also expressed its gratitude to the local sponsors who contributed to the success of the event, including Olive Grove Gathering Co., Two Broke Besties, LaRobardiere Funeral Home, M&T Treasures, Pfeif’s Powersports, and Jojo’s Empanadas.

“We are so grateful for the overwhelming support from our community,” Lago said. “Our local businesses, parents, and athletes have really stepped up to support this important cause.”

The club’s work continues to impact and inspire others, as evidenced by a member of the ESM team personally approaching Lago to thank her for her efforts in promoting mental health awareness. Lago’s vision for the club doesn’t end here, as she and the team are already planning additional events throughout the year.

Looking ahead, Camden High School’s Morgan’s Message Club is committed to expanding its reach and continuing to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in athletics.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the club thus far, and stay tuned for more events in the future!

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Student ambassador, Ryen Lago:  The journey to establishing a Morgan’s Message chapter at Camden High School began with a personal struggle. One student-athlete, facing challenges with both a knee and hip injury, found the mental toll just as difficult to endure as the physical pain. A conversation with their mother served as a reminder that they weren’t alone—many athletes experience similar struggles. This realization sparked a desire to create something meaningful, a way to support others facing the same battles.

While researching ways to promote mental health awareness in athletics, they discovered Morgan’s Message, an organization dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding athlete mental health. Through its ambassador program, students have the opportunity to bring these important conversations into their own schools. Immediately recognizing the potential impact, the student drafted an email to Camden High School’s principal and athletic director, pitching the idea of launching a chapter. After receiving approval, discussions began on how to make mental health awareness as much of a priority as physical health—just as seeking help for a mental struggle should be as normalized as visiting a doctor for a broken arm.

To bring the initiative to life, the student partnered with Mrs. Mellon, a school social worker and club advisor. Morgan’s Message provided a wealth of resources, including educational slides, podcasts, and activities to facilitate discussions on mental health in sports. With these tools, Camden’s chapter began hosting monthly meetings where 12-15 dedicated student-athletes gathered to learn, share experiences, and build confidence both on and off the field.

Beyond meetings, the chapter has taken its mission to the community by organizing three dedication games in honor of Morgan Rodgers, a former Duke University lacrosse player who tragically lost her life to suicide in 2019. These events not only raise awareness but also generate funds for Morgan’s Message. Half of the proceeds support the national organization, while the other half sustains Camden’s local chapter, ensuring that future initiatives continue. At these games, the student leader has even taken the microphone, addressing the crowd to share the importance of Morgan’s Message and its role in supporting student-athletes.

Looking ahead, the Camden chapter remains committed to expanding its reach. Plans are in place to continue monthly meetings, host additional dedication games, and explore topics such as coping strategies, staying focused, and practicing self-compassion. Through education and open conversations, these student-athletes are working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health in sports—one meeting, one game, and one conversation at a time.

For more information on Morgan’s Message, visit Morgan’s Message Website.
Read more about Camden High School’s dedication games here.