As is apparent to many students in today’s world, depression and anxiety are all around us. There is an increase of students dealing with mental illness due to the increases of expectations and external pressures. Not only that, but more awareness about mental illness being spread around allows kids to put a name to what they may be feeling. 

Some of you may know, last year I wrote a mental health spread covering this issues at Eaglecrest and pushing to see an actual change in how mental illness is dealt with at our school. These stories allowed not only for change to occur, but also provided a learning opportunity to myself and others on what schools can do to help students and how students truly feel about these issues. To read more on that topic, please refer to the stories linked below.

One thing that stuck out to myself and Mr. Roome, the assistant principal who is helping me make my plans a reality, is how frustrated students are with not seeing any change. That is why I am writing today. Mr. Roome and I have had an abundance of meetings from last year and this year to discuss plausible changes that can help students. To those who raised their voices and showed their support for me you were not forgotten.

In the next few weeks a mental health board of students will be formed at Eaglecrest. I, Mackenzie Prendergast, along with Jaden Brumage, Oliver Godfrey, Margot Holley, Delaney Dunlop, and a few others will head this project. The plan is to have these students be a go to point for staff in times of a crisis to get a student perspective on how they should approach issues. These students will also help to kick off the new mental health club at our school and help to plan events to support students. More information on meeting times is to come.

Further on October 5th, Eaglecrest will be participating in the 18th annual Second Wind walk at Green Mountain highschool. It will be around a $10 entry fee that goes to the Second Wind Fund. This fund goes to help connect teens with a licensed therapist and even pay for up to 12 sessions of therapy. Be on the lookout for posters detailing an informational meeting. 

Our voices truly can make a difference when we all speak together. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas at the new club or advocate to solve an issue that is close to you. Together we are stronger.