Number of Participants: 36
Hours Donated: 20
Value of Time Served: $6,084
Event Type: Health & Safety
Activity: Girls Lacrosse
Date: April 14, 2025
Location:
Hanover High School
Cedar Street, Hanover
MA
About:
Hanover High School students Adrianna and Abby are making meaningful strides to destigmatize mental health in athletics, and their efforts are beginning to reach well beyond their own community.
Earlier this year, Adrianna and Abby were selected as student ambassadors for Morgan’s Message, a national nonprofit that honors the life and legacy of Morgan Rodgers. Morgan, a Division I lacrosse player at Duke University, was known for her strength, compassion, and light. After suffering a severe knee injury in 2017, she developed depression and tragically passed away by suicide in 2019 at just 22 years old. In response, her loved ones launched Morgan’s Message to raise awareness about mental health in sports and promote equal care for both physical and mental well-being.
Inspired by this mission, Adrianna and Abby established a Morgan’s Message chapter at Hanover High. Over the past year, they’ve grown the club to more than 35 active members and have spearheaded a number of impactful initiatives. These include hosting regular meetings, organizing two “dedication games,” leading a school-wide “green out” for Mental Health Awareness Month, and facilitating a mental health workshop in May.
At their dedication games, Adrianna and Abby shared Morgan’s story with players and fans, distributed custom warm-up shirts and green ribbons, and ran bake sales to raise funds and awareness. The events were powerful reminders of the importance of prioritizing mental health, especially among student-athletes who often suffer in silence.
Looking ahead, the duo is planning additional dedication games—including one for the boys’ football team this fall—and hopes to expand their efforts to include every sport at Hanover. Their vision is to build a lasting culture of support where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to talk about their mental health.
Adrianna and Abby are excited to continue spreading Morgan’s message and are eager to connect with others who share their passion for change.
