By Tanisha Agrawal, Staff Reporter

Last year, a group of students led by then-sophomore Giulia Presa Vespa organized Conestoga’s first-ever Mental Health week. This year, now under the name “Wellness Week,” Presa Vespa and her team of students are continuing to advocate for students’ mental health with a week dedicated to improving individuals’ well-being from Jan. 17-20.

Wellness Week is designed to give students a break from their regular school routines to de-stress and relax. The week will culminate in a “Wellness Fair” focused on self-care.

“The Wellness Fair is for all students to participate in; it will be a day of activities for students that promote wellness of body, mind and spirit,” assistant principal Dr. Nicole Jolly wrote in an email to Conestoga’s staff on Dec. 14. 

TESD schools closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16. On Tuesday, Jan. 17, speakers from Minding Your Mind, an organization dedicated to ending the stigma around mental health issues, will talk to ninth graders about their past challenges with the intent to inspire students to be responsive to their mental health.

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10th and 11th graders will attend an assembly led by a representative from Common Sense Media, an organization that advocates for the safe usage of technology and social media. On Thursday, Jan. 19,  Katy Kessner, an activist for the prevention of sexual assault, will speak to 12th graders about healthy relationships and recovering from trauma. 

Friday, Jan. 20, the last day of the first semester, will be a Cornucopia-style day in which teachers can let their students participate in school-wide events throughout the day. During first period, the student group that planned the week will premiere a video of the week’s highlights and introduce the activities in which students can participate throughout the day. Then, the Wellness Fair will run throughout the remainder of the day. According to Jolly, the staff is expected to not give any tests on Friday.

“One thing I really like about Friday is that it fits all personality types. There is a quiet room for people who are more introverted and want some time alone. Then there are loud, fun rooms with games and dances for the people who are more extroverted and want to let out some energy,” Presa Vespa said. 

According to Presa Vespa, each day of Wellness Week will have its own theme. Tuesday’s theme will be paying it forward; Wednesday’s will be self-affirmation; Thursday’s will be community and friendships; and Friday’s will be self-care.

John Jones, the faculty adviser for the student-run initiative, found that other teachers have championed the initiative, as well.

“I do think teachers realize the importance of raising awareness for mental health. In general, there has been cooperation from the entirety of the faculty and 100% support from the administration,” Jones said.

Presa Vespa’s team hopes to make Wellness Week an annual and established initiative for Conestoga, even after they graduate. 

“As a student body, we are the ones that need to speak out when we need some sort of break to help us,” junior and Wellness Week organizer Harshini Elavarasan said. “I’m really proud of the team for making sure that is something Conestoga can have.”

Tanisha Agrawal can be reached at [email protected].