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Wellness Takes Center Stage at Mental Health Fair
With Lady Gaga blasting from the speakers, a crowd cheering on a pickup basketball game, and others drawing on the blacktop, taking selfies, and petting a horse, the atmosphere outside the North Salem Middle/High School was festive, despite the damp weather and serious discussions. It was the fourth annual Mental Health and Wellness Fair hosted by the Warr;ors Club.
“Just having so many people here on a rainy day can create change,” said senior Harry Veito. “It’s very easy to gloss over a poster, but to have people come to an event like this makes it real.”
Some students said they could already see a change on campus since the first fair.
“Everyone is more trusting with each other. There isn’t as much stigma around coming here,” said Siena Bertolino.
“There’s more of a sense of community,” added Kiki DeModna.
The star of the day was Miss Charm, a therapy horse from Ridgebury Farm and Stables. She had a constant stream of visitors petting her and taking selfies.
“School can be stressful, both academically and socially," said junior Joseph Cervoni, who endorsed having a campus therapy animal. "I would love to sit and talk with a horse for an hour. It’s so mentally calming.”
Elizabeth Panken, a nurse from Northern Westchester Hospital, said North Salem stood out as a school district that is actively involved and engaged with student mental health, a sentiment shared by many students.
Panken asked students to write down ideas for combatting stress. “This board reminds kids that there are so many things to do when you are stressed out,” she said, looking over the collection of sticky note answers. “You can read, go for a hike, catch up on sleep. I’m very touched that so many kids have someone to call, like their mom or a friend.”
For those who prefer to send text messages, Greg Eves from the Office of Mental Health Suicide Prevention Center gave out information about the New York State GOT5 crisis text line.
“We know that most of the crisis text line users are between the ages of 13 and 18,” said Eves.
Representatives from Family Services of Westchester spoke about NY Project Hope, a COVID-19 crisis-counseling program that offers free, confidential, and anonymous emotional support. The Family Career Community Leaders of America hosted a table about the benefits of eating healthy and handed out student-prepared snacks. The Warr;ors Club awarded prizes for correct answers about different aspects of mental health.
Warr;ors Club Advisor Melissa Smith said it was important to emphasize wellness at the event. “The more we talk about the value of brain health, the more likely students are to come forward with their questions and struggles and use the coping strategies that we’re teaching."
Sandy Lundy-Resnick asked students to watch a video about her late son's daily act of kindness. She encouraged students to perform acts of kindness, saying that even the smallest gesture could have a lasting impact.
“My son Shane died by suicide. He was 11 and bullied. If someone had given my son a high five that day, he would still be here.” said Lundy-Resnick.
The message came through. “Some small things can mean everything,” said freshman Maddie Gonzalez. “It doesn’t matter what situation you’re in, where you are, what you are, you can still experience depression, stress, and anxiety.”
Eighth-grader Gabby Nikoletti summed it up. “It feels like these days you can’t just be a kid, because you have to be responsible. Being able to smile and laugh with friends today, it’s fun just being able to be a kid.”