Hendrick Hudson High School Shines a Light on Mental Health Throughout May

May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month—and at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, NY, students and staff made sure that message reached every corner of the school community. Through a monthlong series of events and initiatives led by the Sailors Supporting Sailors and Safe Options for Sailors clubs, the school embraced the opportunity to educate, engage, and support mental health awareness for all students.

Daily Inspiration and Spirit Week Kickoff

Each morning began with a Mental Health Inspirational Quote of the Day, shared over the school’s announcements to set a thoughtful and uplifting tone.

The first week of May was CODA Spirit Week, tying the themes of mental health and co-occurring disorders awareness into a vibrant celebration. On May 6th, during all lunch periods, student club members and Student Assistance Counselor Abigail Zenon hosted a CODA table. The display highlighted the importance of understanding co-occurring disorders—when mental health issues and substance use occur together—and offered resources to help students learn more and find support.

Mental Health on the Field

Hendrick Hudson’s athletic teams stepped up in a big way to champion mental health awareness. Each game mentioned had about 20 players per team, and additional teams also participated in awareness activities:

• The Flag Football team hosted a CODA awareness game, wearing green wristbands on their ankles and setting up a resource table.

• The Girls Lacrosse team organized a Mental Health Awareness Game, spotlighting organizations such as 15 for Life, Morgan’s Message, Goalies Matter, and CODA. They provided information on suicide prevention and ways to support friends in need.

• The Boys Lacrosse team hosted the 15 for Life Mental Matchup on May 15th, honoring Rob Kavovit, whose struggle with depression led to the founding of 15 for Life. Rob’s sister Kim joined for a touching pre-game ceremony. Hendrick Hudson has been a proud 15 for Life Ambassador since the organization’s inception.

• Additional teams including Girls Lacrosse (both varsity and JV), Varsity Baseball, Varsity Softball, and Unified Basketball also held mental health awareness games. These events featured informational tables and public service announcements throughout the games to engage the community.

Building Community Support

On May 19th, a representative from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) staffed a table during lunch periods, offering educational materials, answering questions, and distributing fun items to reinforce learning.

Student clubs contributed significantly with creative initiatives:

• The Sailors Supporting Sailors club, made up of 30 student-athletes, distributed Mental Health Toolkits including coloring books, colored pencils, Play-Doh, fidget toys, and textured breathing stickers—items chosen by club members to help manage stress and take mindful breaks.

• The Safe Options for Sailors club created a Gratitude Bulletin Board where students could write the names of people who support them or whom they can turn to in times of need. The board became a meaningful symbol of community and connection.

A Powerful Conclusion

To close out the month, Hendrick Hudson welcomed Stephanie Marquesano, founder and president of the harris project. Her organization works tirelessly to raise awareness about co-occurring disorders among teens and athletes. Stephanie spoke to the entire student body in two sessions and spent the rest of the day engaging one-on-one with students and staff—offering warmth, insight, and critical resources to the Hen Hud community.

A Month to Remember

The depth and range of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month activities reflect the passion, care, and leadership of Hendrick Hudson’s students and staff. From the classroom to the playing field, and through daily conversations and creative initiatives, the Sailors are proudly navigating toward a future where mental health is understood, supported, and prioritized.