To a group of high school students in Pickering Ontario, mental health shouldn't be taken lightly. Students from Dunbarton High School and Pickering High School make up Pickering's High School Destination ImagiNation team. Destination ImagiNation, Inc., a non-profit organization, provides educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Two adults oversee the group, but the students take charge.
They've done all of the work and they've addressed all of the challenge," said Westcreek Public School teacher Gayle Patterson.
The Pickering group hosted a mental health awareness evening Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 and members believed that the more who attended, the better.
"Everyone needs to know about mental health," said Grade 12 Dunbarton student Genna Habbershaw. "It affects everyone around us."
Grade 11 Dunbarton student Suzanna Matic said the number of students with mental health issues in high school is higher than some may think. "Depression is a big one," she said.
The goal was to get students and parents out to the event to make them aware, and teach them about the signs they can look for.
"A lot of parents aren't really aware their kids have a mental illness," said Genna.
A number of local organizations were on hand to share information on how they can help, and answer anyquestions.
Local television personality and producer Dan Carter also shared his personal experience with mental illness. Due to the sensitive nature of the stories he was to share, the group suggested that parents and children in Grade 6 and up attend. Parents of the younger kids were encouraged to attend, but the group said the children should not.
The evening also featured draws for different items including an iPod, movie tickets and tickets for a Toronto Maple Leafs game.
"Our main goal was to spread awareness, but also to raise money," said Suzanna.
All of the money raised was donated to the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.
The event ran from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2011 at William Dunbar Public School, 1030 Glenanna Rd., Pickering.
Adapted from article
by Kristen Calls –
Pickering News
Advertiser
November 28, 2011
