Woodrow Wilson High School has built a mental health committee of students. Directed by Mrs. Katie Stover, Mrs. Lindsay Flanagan, and counselors, Mrs. Shanna Casto, Mrs. Melissa Cook, and Ms. Erica Hampton, the group will serve the campus of Woodrow Wilson by raising awareness of mental health conditions and coping skills. Interviews for those interested were conducted April 29-April 30. “There were roughly 42 people that expressed their interest in wanting to join the mental health committee,” Mrs. Casto reports. Interviews included four panelists questioning the potential member. Questions consisting of life mottos, coping mechanisms, and personal experiences were common. “We wanted kids that were interested in mental health, and not just hanging out because their friends joined.” The group will be divided into four different parts: marketing, outreach, tech/media, and events. Members of the organization were announced Wednesday, May 8 via educator’s email.
Inspired by Oak Hill High School, extensive training of how to run the group was taken place by the three directors and founding father, Alanna Penn (junior). As founding father, she will serve as the president of the organization in the 2024-2025 school year. The first meeting of the committee will be during the summer, before the new school term begins.
Plans of the group include, “a color Run, a Mental Health Awareness Spirit Week, and a theme for a Football Game. We also hope to do events with all age groups, from elementary children to senior citizens.”
