“They wanted every student to be able to participate. They didn't want to be based on grades, academics, or behavior,” said Keliher, who was integral in leading the Student Leadership Committee. With the concept and research developed, two students from the Committee were able to present their idea for a Mental Health Awareness Day. Then, with ease, the Reynolds administration approved a half day that would focus entirely on the mental health of the entire student body of 480 students.
The Mental Health Day was 100% student designed and came to fruition with the support of school staff and community partners. Students could rest in the school library, try Zumba, and play board games with their friends in the cafeteria during the allotted time. The focus was to allow all students to be kids together and enjoy their school environment. Along with the variety of activities(or rest) Reynolds students could choose from, “the Student Leadership Committee wanted to give everyone something they could take with them…” said Keliher, “So Leadership Asehville and I helped find 24 community practitioners to teach a coping skill. Every student that was in school that day got taught a 25-minute coping skill lesson.” The practitioners were mostly comprised of mental health professionals. Still, there were yoga teachers, Zumba instructors, and massage therapists, all of whom were brought in to offer various coping skills.
