Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School Student Initiates 'Stigmabusters Walk'

News from the Palo Alto Unified School District:

Jane Lathrop Stanford (JLS) Middle School’s Leadership class organizes many amazing student activities throughout the year, but this year, as part of a new 20% Personal Passion Project, a student has come up with a unique way to benefit her school and her local community.

Neha Tallapragada, a current JLS eighth grader, is striving to have her peers consider the various kinds of stigma that can impact a young person’s life, particularly the challenge of openly discussing the often-taboo topic of mental health. Combining a fun environment with this important message will be at the center of the Stigmabusters Walk.

Through conversations with and assistance from JLS’s common core coach Ann Lorey, mental health therapist Sirina Warfel, and leadership teacher Jaime Buddle, Ms. Tallapragada refined her goal and connected with local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) representatives to discuss her idea.

The Stigmabusters Walk will include students, staff, parents, and community members and will take place on Wednesday, April 29, from 12:30 - 1:05 p.m.during the lunch period at JLS located at 480 E. Meadow Drive in Palo Alto. All visitors must sign in with the JLS office staff.

Walk Coordinator Neha Tallapragada shared, “All along I knew I wanted to focus on mental health for my 20% project, but I just wasn’t sure what it would be. I started to think about a run, but after talking with local representatives from NAMI, I decided on a walk on my own middle school campus since I believe middle school students really need to understand that it is ok to talk about mental health concerns, and we need to remember that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. I am so excited that this walk is going to happen!”

Student Services Coordinator Brenda Carrillo added, “Removing the stigma of having mental health needs is an important step for a community that wants to support all its students and adults in receiving the resources they need to be healthy and successful.”

The event will start at 12:30 p.m. at the JLS Rally Courtyard followed by a few short speeches. Walkers will be joined by JLS’s mascot “Animal” and will receive participation stickers as they walk around the track declaring their commitment to mental health support for everyone in the school and community.

Principal Sharon Ofek noted, “Neha’s commitment to opening the conversation on mental health is a great example of what can happen when we allow students to create projects that revolve around their passions. I am so proud of her goal and the way she has followed through on each detail to bring this outstanding event to our students.”