Number of Participants: 2
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $696
Event Type: Health & Safety
Activity: Girls Basketball
School: Franklin D Roosevelt Senior High School
Date: February 6, 2026
Location:
Franklin D. Roosevelt High School
South Cross Road, Staatsburg
NY
About:
Girls’ Basketball at FDR High School used the power of sport to shine a spotlight on athlete mental health during a special Morgan’s Message dedication game on February 6.
The event was led by FDR’s two Morgan’s Message student ambassadors—senior Cassandra Carufe and junior Madysen Reynes—who are committed to removing the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics. With the game taking place during Athlete Mental Health Week, the ambassadors saw an opportunity to bring Morgan’s Message to life within their school community.
Working closely with the girls’ basketball program, Cassandra and Madysen helped organize FDR’s first-ever Morgan’s Message event. In the days leading up to the game, they created posters filled with encouraging statements and positive affirmations, reinforcing the idea that mental health is just as important as strength and conditioning for student-athletes.
On game night, the ambassadors hosted an information table featuring Morgan’s Message resources, a photo booth, and free giveaways. They designed custom T-shirts with “Mental Health Matters” printed on the back and energized the crowd with a T-shirt toss. Prior to the varsity game tipoff, announcements explained the event’s purpose and shared mental health statistics with fans in attendance.
The impact extended beyond FDR. The athletic director connected with the opposing team, Wallkill, ahead of the game to share the mission behind the event. In a powerful show of unity, Wallkill’s coaches and booster club supported the cause by wearing teal ribbons, turning the night into a true community-wide effort.
With momentum already building, Cassandra and Madysen are planning two additional Morgan’s Message events this spring during softball and lacrosse season. Their leadership and initiative have laid the foundation for the continued growth of the Morgan’s Message Ambassador program at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School.
Their work serves as a meaningful reminder that when student-athletes lead with purpose, sports can become a powerful platform for awareness, connection, and change.
