Genevieve Tatulli, Class of 2026
High school students desire an improvement in awareness of their mental health, and more schools in the surrounding areas are hearing them out. WCHS, specifically, has taken a lot of steps in a forward direction, bringing awareness to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
WCHS Health and Wellness counselors have begun reaching out periodically to all high school students, asking if they are struggling with anything in particular and want to meet. The counselors have also posted motivational quotes around the high school. Still, many students can’t help but feel that more can be done to further support their needs.
A sampling of five students across grade levels answered that mental health awareness at WCHS “could be better.” When asked if they felt supported by the health and wellness counselors, all students answered yes.
Last year, the health and wellness team hosted a Day of Hope for the entire school in the spring, giving students a day away from classes and helping out around the school while enjoying time with friends. This year, WCHS is holding its second annual event on May 1st, 2026, in hopes of encouraging the same positive experience.
Health and wellness counselor Mrs. Shen encourages “expanding the support available to students and normalizing conversations around mental health.” She also thinks adding groups like a student or counselor-led wellness club might be “a fun way to learn about things like stress management, resilience, or healthy relationships.”
Her hope moving forward as WCHS expands its approach to mental health awareness includes “students caring for their mental health as an important and faithful part of their walk, not something outside of it.” She also “wants our school to keep growing into a place where every student feels seen, valued, and supported, and where reaching out for help feels safe and courageous.”
Under more pressure than previous generations, WCHS Gen-Z students are seeking additional support from the school, particularly in forming better relationships with teachers and feeling more comfortable reaching out with issues related to classwork and the classroom environment. Students also desire an occasional break from the chaos of school, especially during high-stress periods. Counselors also desire a step forward in bringing students more into awareness and comfort with their mental health, as well as offering that space for students.