With an ever present mental health crisis, schools have an undeniable responsibility to provide resources to students.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adolescent mental health is deteriorating. In 2023, 40% of students had repeated feelings of sadness or hopelessness and 20% considered suicide. These statistics convey the dire need for more resources.
Students at some schools, such as Sherwood High School (SHS), have tackled this pressing issue head on. The Warrior Wellness Committee aims to meet the growing demand and ameliorate the welfare of all students overall.
Health teacher and Warrior Wellness Committee Sponsor Heather Giovenco commented on the club’s goals and accomplishments.
“The committee typically organizes programs, workshops, and activities that focus on mental well-being, stress management, and healthy coping strategies. By fostering open dialogue about mental health and providing resources, the wellness committee helps reduce stigma and encourages students to seek support when needed,” Giovenco said. “Its efforts contribute to a more positive school culture, improve academic performance, and enhance students’ overall well-being, ensuring they have the tools to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”
The club brings in guest speakers and hosts events such as Wellness Carnivals. The team also remains active on social media with “Thankful Thursdays” and “Positive Affirmations” where members of the committee interview teachers and peers to spread positivity and foster a welcoming atmosphere.
“Whether you’re a student, staff, or administrator. If they aren’t well mentally then daily things in life can become difficult. That’s why we try to plan fun activities in school to motivate people and to spread awareness [about mental health],” Warrior Wellness Committee president Maryam Habib said.
As a member of the committee, I have seen firsthand the vast difference it makes to the community. Each member of the club works to support each other and augments the atmosphere at SHS.
While resources vary from school to school, MCPS provides mental health and crisis support through the form of hotlines and informational resources. MCPS also hosted an in-person Mental Health Fair in late Oct. and posted the livestream on their YouTube account.
Even though a plethora of resources are evidently provided to MCPS students and staff, more needs to be done. Additional schools should create wellness committees and offer more resources.
“A wellness committee in high schools plays a crucial role in promoting student mental health by creating a supportive and inclusive environment,” Giovenco said.
Written by Nisha Khatri