BY ISABELLE MARMARA
On Tuesday May 2, the school’s safety team, consisting of Nicole Mondano, Robert Waitt, Jennifer McCann, Renee Freel, and Marissa Hays, held a Mental Health Fair in the courtyard during lunch periods.
The vast resources allowed students to learn about many different mental health resources and options. Just a portion of some other tables set up at the fair ran by YMCA Counseling and Social Services, Middlesex County Office of Health Services, Old Bridge Public Library, Bridge to Balance Counseling Center accompanied by two service dogs, Ellie Mental Health, and Rutgers University Behavioral Health. “The mental health fair was a great way to spread positivity through the school community,” said Julia Rowan.
A variety of activities and extensive information set up at several tables gave students a memorable experience. “It was a nice opportunity to learn about different mental health resources and connect with peers and representatives who are passionate and informed about mental well-being,” expressed senior Natalie Soliman.
Soliman, the Club President, set up a table for The Red Cross Club. “At the Red Cross table, our message was of the importance of taking time for self-care and utilizing creative activities, like mandala coloring, to manage stress and enhance mental well-being,” said Soliman. They used mandala coloring at their table to demonstrate the benefits of artistic expression as a stress management tool.
Madison Reese helped run the Play Unified table, a club connecting students despite any physical or mental differences. “The message was to show people how fun and inclusive it is and how you work better as one team no matter disabilities, race, or any differences,” stated Reese.
“I ran Morgan’s Message table, and it’s about how mental health in athletes is very important. It also wants you to put yourself before your sport,” said Jordan Connolly. Connelly worked with Robert Waitt and Athletic Director Daniel Dimino to set up her table and spread the message. Mental health in athletes often gets overlooked, creating a need for the issue’s representation at events like this one.
Jordyn Oliver helped run an affirmation station with the Future Teacher’s club. “Running the affirmation station and talking to people I’ve never met was really nice,” said Oliver. “Every station at the fair had so much information too.”
Students had the chance to put in for a raffle, leading to both Hayat Aydin and Jordyn Oliver winning the raffle. “I completed a form about my experience at the fair which put me in the running for winning a prize,” stated Aydin. “I wrote about how I had a great time with my friends and how the fair was extremely informative.”
Posted on 6/20/24
Photos by Isabelle Marmara
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