Morgan’s Message at Skaneateles Central School District was founded four years ago in response to student interest in discussing and supporting mental health among their peers. Two years ago, it became an official after-school activity. As a student-led organization, Morgan’s Message empowers student-athletes to advocate for mental health, and I, Kristin B. Moses, LMSW, CAS am proud to serve as the advisor alongside David Frechette, our school psychologist, who actively participates in meetings.
What is Morgan’s Message?
Morgan’s Message is a crucial initiative dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, particularly among student-athletes. The organization honors the legacy of Morgan Rodgers, a Duke University lacrosse player who tragically died by suicide, by working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health in sports. Our mission is to foster open conversations and create a supportive environment for student-athletes navigating mental health challenges.
How Our Students Take Action
Our students play an active role in spreading awareness through various initiatives, including collaboration with coaches, opposing teams, and booster clubs. Their efforts include:
- Organizing fundraisers and ordering t-shirts, stickers, and ribbons to promote mental health awareness.
- Decorating sidewalks in front of the stadium with encouraging messages before outdoor games.
- Setting up booths with literature on suicide prevention and selling t-shirts and sweatshirts to support our events.
Dedication Games & Social Media Outreach
Over the past four years, we have hosted dedication games for both boys’ and girls’ ice hockey, basketball, and lacrosse. Students create promotional videos for these games and continually brainstorm new ways to spread awareness through our social media page: @morgansmessageskan. Check out one of our dedication game promotional videos here.
Our club currently has 80 students signed up. Attendance varies weekly due to students’ commitments to other clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities. On average, 10 or more students actively participate in each dedication game, depending on the team.
We have hosted several impactful initiatives, including:
- Clothing Drive & Community Outreach: In collaboration with the Middle School Laker Club, we collected and distributed clothing to an inner-city school. Our students personally delivered donations, engaged with students from another school, and volunteered in elementary classrooms—an experience that left a lasting impression.
- Mental Health Awareness Tables: At our events, we provide information on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and other vital mental health resources.
- Book Study & Guest Speakers: We have welcomed speakers who specialize in suicide prevention and mental health disorders to educate and inspire our students.
- QPR Training: Every participating student has undergone QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training to help recognize signs of self-harm and encourage peers to seek support.
- Character Strength & Conversation Workshops: These sessions focus on character strengths and provide guidance on having difficult but necessary conversations about mental health.
Moving Forward
Morgan’s Message continues to grow as we strive to make a lasting impact on mental health awareness in our school and athletic community. Through dedication games, fundraisers, educational initiatives, and peer support, we are changing the conversation around mental health and ensuring that no student-athlete struggles in silence.
To stay updated on our efforts, follow us on Instagram: @morgansmessageskan. Together, we can make a difference!
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