The Manchester Township School District's motto "Excellence by Example" was surely demonstrated through Manchester Township High School's student participation in the Ocean County SPTS Be S-Well Summit.
Student Assistance Counselor, Jen Eckert and MTHS Guidance Counselor, Kristen Gannon, chaperoned two MTHS sophomores, three MTHS juniors, and one MTHS Senior to Georgian Court University last week to participate in the Ocean County SPTS Be S-Well Summit. The objective of the summit is to instill methods and practices for wellness and mental health in Ocean County's high school students that will help to enrich their lives and transform their abilities for problem-solving, goal setting, leadership, and overall well-being.
The day started with Lead U providing energetic, fun games for students to get to know their peers. The students then participated in workshops that varied in topics such as assumptions and perceptions and how they can affect self-esteem; confidence, and mental health; knowing your worth and how to manage all of the difficulties that high school throws at them; and discovering the power of mindfulness, heart coherence, and self-discovery. The MTHS staff also attended workshops that focused on educators being partners in youth suicide prevention and the elevation principles to wellness.
The highlight of the day was when MTHS Senior Shelby Schwartz participated in the panel discussion with three college students who shared inspiring stories of their resiliency and strength. They discussed the importance of coping skills and how to identify a trusted adult. Shelby participates in the Ocean County Be S-Well Club through SPTS (The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide) which meets monthly to learn more about mental health and wellness, stress management, resiliency, and how to help peers in need.
These workshops help give students skills they can use for themselves as well as share with peers who disclose that they may also be struggling. Students in attendance will turnkey the information from this conference to help educate interested MTHS students about the Be S-Well Club and let them know how they can get involved if they would like more information.
Way to go MTHS!