Local students introduced to wellness techniques

Maya Gilkison- Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) held a Mental Health Symposium on Wednesday. Over 250 Mustangs were able to meet different vendors and participate in classes where they learned about mental health and ways to cope with their emotions and stress of high school.

The symposium was particularly directed towards Mustang athletes, as it can be difficult to balance the pressure that comes with being a student athlete.

“I am a part of many sports and clubs. I go through a lot of University of South Florida (USF) courses that put a lot of heavy pressure on me and having this area and space where people will be talking about the anxiety and the overworking of sports really helps me feel heard and seen,” said sophomore Alissa Dalsing.

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LRHS Principal Dustin Dahlquist said, “It's amazing that we have well over 250 students who are interested in this program. When you look around at the numbers of vendors and people who want to be involved here at Lakewood Ranch and then the excitement we have from our students and the interest that we have.”

“It shows us that there is a need to talk about these topics here at our school and I think there is going to be nothing but positives coming from this and who knows what some of the off shouts will be in terms of positivity for students,” continued Dahlquist.

James Malkovich from Save One Life Suicide Prevention was a presenter at the symposium.
He said, “I am very happy for the wonderful turn out at LRHS for the Wellness Symposium for 2024. We really appreciate (LRHS Athletic Trainer) Sydney Suppa’s support and all the kids that participated and all the community members that provided speakers for the breakout sessions.”