By Shelby Stewart-Soldan
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp. — Brandon High School student council is hoping to provide students a stress-free week and provide tools to take care of their mental health.
Starting on Dec. 11, the BHS Student Council is hosting a Mental Health Week, with different activities each day centering around the mental health and well-being of the students.
“The student council came up with this idea after attending a virtual mental health summit,” said Emma Mulcahey, officer chair for mental health week. “After the summit, the council recognized a need to address and implement mental health awareness for our students.”
Starting on Monday there will be handouts of mental health care bags from the student council, followed by a kick-off rally in the gym featuring 42 Strong, the Brandon Prevention Coalition and yoga instructor Jessica Bishop.
“This is to provide an introduction to mental health and coping strategies for students to use and students will receive care bags with items that will help them to manage their mental health,” said Mulcahey. “Bags are sponsored by 42 Strong, The Little Things in Ortonville, the Brandon Prevention Coalition, and the Brandon Student Council.”
Following that, on Tuesday, students will receive a free cookie, delivered by the student council. Student council will also be visiting Harvey-Swanson Elementary. On Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a free movie and popcorn in the Performing Arts Center, as well as music at lunchtime. On Thursday, students will have Hawk time, stating in the Hawk Time Room. Friday there is a green spirit day and the Mr. Peace Assembly, sponsored by the Brandon Prevention Coalition.
“We are hoping that students realize it is okay to take a step back and work on their own mental health,” said Mulcahey. “We also hope that they get some strategies and resources for helping friends in need as well.”
Mental Health week is sponsored by the Brandon Prevention Coalition, Rearden Metal Company, 42 Strong, The Little Things, the Brandon B.A.S.E. program, and the Brandon Student Council.
“I am so proud of this council for all their work this week,” said student council advisor Cristina Sulisz. “They truly care about the well being of their peers and want to make Brandon a positive place to be.”