On Dec. 9th, our Give team and House of Representatives had a mental health workshop dedicated to educating and helping Huntington Beach High School campus leaders. Stephanie Loscko from the Orange County Department of Education, a Program Specialist for the Wellness Unit, gave an insightful presentation on the ways to recognize the struggles and signs of mental health challenges. This was a great opportunity to teach campus leaders how to help our students who might be afraid to reach out. This taught the importance of early intervention and practical ways to offer support. The Huntington Beach High School staff and administration were grateful that HBHS was 1 of 13 schools chosen in OC to be part of the OCDE Wellness Program.

Throughout the workshop, leaders participated in thorough discussions and activities designed to help them better understand how to create a safe environment for their peers. They also learned how to approach students with empathy and understanding, ensuring they feel supported and encouraged to seek the help they need. This initiative provided our campus leaders with valuable tools to help emphasize the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health and to support students who are hesitant to seek help. This helps ensure our school community feels both heard and understood.

“Mental health is such an important topic, and it’s amazing to see our campus taking steps to create a supportive environment for everyone,” said Maddie Trace, an HBHS GIVE leader. “Workshops like these give us the tools we need to help our peers and make a real difference.”

Over the past few years, HBHS campus leadership has made significant strides in promoting mental health awareness by organizing various activities and events designed to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. A few examples are Welcome Week, which helps students feel connected and valued as they transition into the school year, homeroom activities and resources, and the end of the semester event, Cookies and Cram. These efforts reflect the ongoing commitment of campus leadership to normalize discussions around student wellness to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and supported.