Using Our Voices 5K Race Series For Mental Health

Using Our Voices 5 K Series Run For Mental health originated from a student leadership conference held by Center Moriches Student Athlete leaders. We hosted 250 students from 49 different Suffolk County Districts to have the students collaborate on issues related to mental health and their overall school experience. From there we gathered data from these students on 6 different topics related to their daily struggles. This information was evaluated to share with students and educators. The most important takeaway from the work the students did was the power of letting them use their voices for change and allowing them opportunities to create, oversee and execute more events in their lives. To create connection and ownership.

The Center Moriches Student Athletes spent 3+ months creating, overseeing and executing the 5K run series which began this past Sunday 3/5 in Center Moriches. The 1st race of its kind has 200+ participants (students run free) and included close to 60 students from other school districts. The money raised will be distributed to mental health organizations in the area.  That is just the beginning. The next 5K will be in North Babylon on 4/2 followed by another at Connetquot on 5/7. The idea is to build upon each event in increase mental health awareness, participation, sponsorship and overall impact on student leadership development. From there will be to positively pressure other district to join in the series creating more interaction and collaboration among students from different districts and backgrounds. We feel the cause is admirable and relevant but the positive collateral impact is breaking down barriers in neighboring districts and create an unified voice from all districts.