Lake City High School spotlights mental health this week

This year, senior class president at Lake City High School Andy Wisdom decided to go above and beyond for Mental Health Week. Alongside sophomore vice president Caleb Brumbach, he arranged special guests and activities to raise mental health awareness at his school from Oct. 12 to 16.

“It’s an annual traditon, but the last two years is when we’ve really started to take it seriously,” Wisdom said. “This year I’m trying to go a little bit bigger.”

During lunch periods this week, Lake City High School hosted representatives from NAMI, St. Vincent de Paul, Safe Passages and the Kroc Center, as well as a visit from a therapy dog. The organizations set up booths in the cafeteria to raise awareness about the mental health resources available in the community.

“I’ve had some mental health struggles myself,” Wisdom said. “I think it’s important for people in similar situations to know they have resources around them, and their problems don’t have to be their problems alone.”

School counselors and student clubs also contributed to raising awareness of mental health support available within the school. Counselors gave away free mental health-themed stickers, pencils and journals to students during lunch this week.

Freshman Zoe Huffer represented the Sources of Strength club during lunch, which raises awareness of student mental health and well-being.

At the Sources of Strength table, students spun a wheel with categories such as medical access, spirituality and family support. Students discussed the meaning of the category selected by the wheel with Huffer in exchange for a free sticker.

“I’ve personally struggled with mental health,” Huffer said, “and I want to be that person who helps other people. Joining this club was a way I could do that.”

On Friday, students at Lake City will dress in green for mental health awareness. The football game Friday evening between Lake City and Coeur d’Alene High School will be dedicated to mental health awareness. Wisdom said there will be an announcement before the game reminding students that resources are available and encouraging those who are struggling to seek help.

After the game, Wisdom said participants from Lake City and Coeur d’Alene will take a photo together to demonstrate unity around mental health.

“Us taking a picture with them signifies that even though we are quote unquote rivals, we still are all people that struggle with our own things, and mental health is something that everybody should unite on,” Wisdom said. “It’s not one school’s problem, it’s the district’s problem, the state’s problem, the country’s problem. It’s something that we all have to pitch in on.”

Student council adviser at Lake City Tarah Tanner said she has seen strong student interest in mental health awareness, particularly in the post-COVID years.

“We’re more aware of it now,” Tanner said, “and we’re taking action.”

    Lake City High School counselors Kelsey Lee, Catalina Chacon, Karina Calderwood and Casi Lupinacci give away free materials at Lake City High School's mental health week.
  

    Student Zoe Huffer represents the Sources of Strength club at Lake City High School's mental health week activities.