This is the second of a multi-part series around the district's 2024-25 strategic priorities. The MSAD #51 Strategic Plan identifies Wellness as the foundation of teaching and learning. Healthy, balanced, and well-rounded students and staff are intentionally prioritized in the Plan above anything else. But what does this actually mean? Below is a case example of how students have led the way in their efforts to make wellness a real priority.
A year ago, a group of Greely High School students wrote a grant that started Maine's second-only chapter of KyleCares/Active Minds, joining 47 other KyleCares chapters in New England and 700 Active Minds groups in the U.S. Dedicated to Kyle Johnson, KyleCares is a non-profit organization that promotes open and honest communication about the mental health challenges experienced by teens and young adults, aiming to eliminate self-harm and suicide by creating school environments that support seeking help without shame or hesitation. The motto "smash the stigma" describes the intent of KyleCares to make known that which has so often been relegated to a place of whispers.
The Greely chapter was recently recognized for being one of the most active KyleCares groups in New England, with 60 members, thanks to the dedication of student leaders (past and present) Charlie Anania, Sam Anania, Fin McLean, Sean Allen, Max Allen, and advisor Melissa Fowler. This Fall, an impressive array of activities are planned to spotlight mental health and suicide prevention in young people. As was the case last year, KyleCares ambassadors speak for a few minutes at the beginning of a home game played by each varsity athletic team, which is repeated during the winter and spring sports seasons. Additionally, students are heavily involved in the Yellow Tulip Project, Green Bandana Project, and fundraising events such as a dodgeball tournament, bake sale, and a laser tag event, among others.
Last spring, senior Charlie Anania and other chapter officers organized a Mental Health Matters 5k road race in which 250 runners raised funds to combat mental health. Jim and Sue Johnson, co-founders of KyleCares, wrote that "We were inspired by the immense generosity displayed, with an impressive $50,000 raised for mental health advocacy. This achievement speaks volumes about the passion and commitment of everyone involved. It was truly one of the best overall events we’ve seen at KyleCares run by a school." The Johnsons recently awarded another grant of $4,000 to GHS, calling it a "model chapter – perhaps one of the most active and impactful of the 47 different chapters we’ve helped start across 3 different states." Perhaps even more compelling is the impact our students have already made beyond the community. Over the summer, a couple of Greely alumni reached out for information so that they could start a KyleCares chapter where they attend college.
There can be no stigma when it comes to mental health. There must be a climate that encourages students to open up and seek help or the stigma will not be defeated, and I salute our Greely chapter for their immense efforts to create this climate.