Alcona SLS Proves Mental Health Awareness Is For Everyone

At the end of the school year, the stakes are higher for students as finals, projects, and other classroom work culminate, wrapping up a 40 week marathon to summer vacation. Traditionally, much of the emphasis on mental health support is directed toward these students, but Students Leading Students (SLS) members recognized an additional need. Teachers, counselors, custodians, and administrators are under similar pressure, so the Alcona SLS chapter decided to do something about it. Partnering with the Special Education Department and its entrepreneurial coffee house, SLS members offered free coffee to adult staff during the last month of school, allowing them to take a quick break each morning before starting their busy day.

The thoughtful gesture did not go unnoticed. Counselor Nina Niametta expressed her appreciation, saying, “This made my day. Thank you!”

SLS members plan to offer free coffee throughout the school year for adult staff starting this fall, just a small way they can help improve the mental health of the school as a whole.