World Teen Mental Wellness Day was recently front and center for Lockland students in grades 7-12 during the week of Feb. 23-27.
During the week, members of the school’s newly established Sources of Strength student group led activities and distributed Student Wellness Kits to support their classmates. These efforts were made possible through a $1,000 mini-grant from the bi3 Fund, along with additional support from Interact for Health and The Joe Burrow Foundation.
The funding empowered student leaders to organize and present meaningful mental health initiatives throughout the week, helping to normalize conversations about mental wellness and connect students with available resources.
There was also a contest held during the week. Students were encouraged to participate in World Teen Mental Wellness Spirit Week by wearing the designated color each day. For every day they participated, students earned an entry into a raffle. Prizes included Owala water bottles. Students who participated four out of the five days also earned an additional entry for a chance to win the grand prize: a pair of Beats headphones.
Color Your Strength Week Raffle Winners:
Daily Owala Water Bottle Winners:
Monday - Red (Mental Health): Zariyus Clark, 8th grade
Tuesday - Yellow (Positive Friends): Kaylee Willis, 10th grade
Wednesday - Blue (Physical Health): Matthew Atkins, 12th grade
Thursday - Green (Mentors): SirCharles Johnson, 10th grade
Friday - Grey/Black (Spirituality): Jamourie Medina, 8th grade
Grand Prize - Beats Headphones Winner:
Belen Torres Melendez, 10th grade
Sources of Strength is an evidence-based suicide prevention program that trains peer leaders to promote resilience, healthy coping strategies, and help-seeking behaviors within their school community. At Lockland, the group is focused on ensuring every secondary student has access to tangible tools and information to support their well-being.
The week’s impact was strengthened by the generous support of valued community partners. Lockland Schools expresses heartfelt thanks to: 1N5, Catalyst Counseling, CareSource, SAMHSA, NAMI, Project Yoga, and local mental health crisis support providers for helping make the initiative impactful and memorable.
School Counselor Anne Merrill successfully authored the $1,000 bi3 Fund grant application after learning about the opportunity through Lockland’s partnership with 1N5. The grant was specifically focused on helping schools develop activities in recognition of World Teen Mental Wellness Day and elevate youth-led mental health awareness efforts. Mrs. Merrill saw the grant opportunity as a powerful way for Lockland’s Sources of Strength group to take the lead in fostering open conversations and connection across the secondary campus.
“Our students face significant challenges and hardships, and mental health support can be the difference between struggling alone and thriving with help,” Mrs. Merrill said. “When students know where to turn and feel comfortable asking for support, it strengthens our entire school community.”
Through student leadership and strong community partnerships, Lockland Schools proudly celebrated World Teen Mental Wellness Day and reinforced that support is always within reach.