On October 2, 2024, Ithaca High School (IHS) hosted the Ending the Silence presentation as a kickoff to Mental Health Awareness Week. The powerful event brought together students from various school districts to shed light on the importance of mental health and open conversations. The presentation, organized in collaboration with NAMI Finger Lakes, aimed to break the stigma surrounding mental health and foster a supportive community.
Students, educators, and leaders from districts in Ithaca, Union-Endicott, and Vestal gathered at Ithaca High School to participate in the presentation. The event featured discussions, led by former Cornell head football coach and NAMI board member Dave Archer, that resonated with attendees.
“It was great to see schools come together,” Izzy Laforge, a 12th-grader at IHS, said. “I love that I can be a part of a community where we are not ashamed to talk about mental health!”
Teresa McKinney, Director of PE, Health, and Athletics at Union-Endicott Central School District, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration between districts. She shared how the presentation inspired Union-Endicott students, who later participated in similar discussions in their district, reaching over 500 students.
Samantha Little, Director of Athletics and Wellness for the Ithaca City School District, highlighted the significance of the district’s continued partnership with local mental health organizations.
“We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with NAMI and Huddle Together,” Little said. “This is the second year we’ve provided space to highlight mental health and created opportunities for scholars to discuss and learn about the importance of nurturing both their mental and physical well-being.”
Little also noted the positive impact of champions like Archer and Sandy Sorenson, NAMI’s Executive Director. This year, the ICSD expanded the initiative by including Ithaca High School social worker Lyn Reitenbach, ensuring broader access to resources. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the district plans to further engage families and coaches in future efforts.
At the Ithaca City School District, supporting students' mental health and well-being is a priority. Through a range of initiatives, including access to in-school mental health professionals, social-emotional learning, partnerships with local organizations, and professional development for staff, the district is committed to creating a supportive environment for everyone. These efforts aim to ensure that students and staff have the resources, knowledge, and support needed to foster emotional well-being, build resilience, and thrive inside and outside the classroom.