A business organization at the Killeen ISD Career Center brought a mental health day to their peers Friday as part of a project they are preparing for state and national competition.
The three students conducting the Mental Health Marathon, with help from some of their DECA chapter peers, operated six stations in the school’s lecture hall as a community awareness project.
One of their DECA sponsors, business teacher Charmaine Kalpen, praised her students’ thorough job, gathering data research through student surveys and working with school administrators and community sponsors to pull off the event.
“We wanted this to be as inclusive as possible,” said junior Bailey Thompson. “Everyone deserves a mental health day to take a break. We wanted everyone to have fun at our event.”
The activities, she said, were aimed at allowing students moments to relax at school and were developed through the research data.
Participants got to color as a means of nostalgia, recalling their younger days. They also had a chance to hold and stroke one of two staff members’ pet dogs.
Other stations included a “Zen Zone” relaxation corner for reflection, an affirmation wall to write positive comments, a “capture your calm” photo contest and a stress toy making station with gooey slime. School counselors maintained a space to answer questions.
Online surveys showed that 40 percent of students said they needed a mental health day. After presenting their findings and suggestions to counselors and principals, the three students got to work.
“I think it’s going well. Everyone is being respectful and nice,” Thompson said.
Spreading the awareness of mental health and showcasing support available at school were motives behind the project, junior Asiah Jackson explained. “Mental health is an important factor growing up.”
“We started out with a plan and went to administrators and also surveyed students,” she said, noting that results found a wide acceptance of conducting the mental health day.
The DECA students will prepare a presentation with information about their event, sponsors, finances and letters from adult leaders for a state event in January in hopes of moving on to the national level.
“This is very exciting. It’s a surreal experience,” said Jackson. “It’s a student-led event. It’s a big learning experience. Everyone is smiling and enjoying it.”
Senior Loryn-Michelle Joiner said the group considered other projects before settling on the mental health focus.
“This event is to promote taking a break. School is stressful. It’s rigorous here and we want them to have a break,” she said. “I think they are having fun.”
“It’s exciting seeing students being happy. We worked on it hard and are excited to take it to state.”
DECA is a student business organization that includes opportunities to compete in marketing, entrepreneurship, hospitality, tourism and other fields. The Career Center chapter includes 121 students.
Photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720322422059
