Number of Participants: 600
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $5,070
Event Type: Health & Safety
Sport: Schools
Date: May 22, 2023
Location:
South Country Central School District
Brookhaven, NY
USA
About:
The South Country Central School District marked Mental Health Awareness Week, which commenced on May 15, with a variety of activities at Bellport High School and Bellport Middle School.
High school students participated in theme days and attended an assembly featuring Sarah Kinard, a social worker and Bellport High School graduate, and Michael Kilano, a U.S. Marine veteran who works with Paws of War. Kinard shared her story of resiliency and spoke about the importance of balancing mental health and letting go of any stigma associated with seeking help or talking with a counselor. Kilano discussed how companion animals, such as the dogs at Paws of War, are bringing help to so many. Speaking virtually to students during the week was Cheryl McBride, a professor in the Nassau Community College Art Department, who discussed mental health, the stigma surrounding treatment, and the importance of speaking to someone when feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, etc. She also talked about how to navigate the transition from high school to the real world.
At the middle school, students dressed for theme days, including wearing sweatpants to school on Mindful Monday and team attire for Team Friday. They also took part in a yoga session on Thankful Thursday.
Photo caption: Bellport High School students took part in a mental health assembly with speakers Sarah Kinard, a social worker and Bellport High School graduate, and Michael Kilano, a U.S. Marine veteran working with Paws of War.
Photos courtesy of the South Country Central School District