Spring Mental Health Summit: A Day of Connection and Care

Byline photo of Dennis Thawng

Dennis Thawng, Staff Writer

March 24, 2026

Freshman Jake Mwangi focuses on a game of connect 4 with a friend. By offering interactive activities like connect 4, the summit aimed to reduce stress and foster a sense of community among students. Reflecting on the day, Mwangi appreciated the opportunity to “connect with my friends and bring awareness to mental health at the same time.”

Freshman Jake Mwangi focuses on a game of connect 4 with a friend. By offering interactive activities like connect 4, the summit aimed to reduce stress and foster a sense of community among students. Reflecting on the day, Mwangi appreciated the opportunity to “connect with my friends and bring awareness to mental health at the same time.”

Freshman Hugh McElrath participates in a decorating activity during the Mental Health Summit. The event, designed to provide students with healthy coping mechanisms and a break from academic pressure, offered activities ranging from card decorating to sports. McElrath shared his thoughts about the summit. “I enjoy it because I can hang out with my friends and it gets my mind off school,” McElrath said. (Dennis Thawng)

Junior Carter Tejeda shows off his vertical leap as he goes up for a dunk during an open-gym session at the gym. While many students chose quiet creative activities, the basketball court provided an energetic alternative for those looking to de-stress through physical activity. (Dennis Thawng)

A group of State High students wait in line for the cereal bar during the Mental Health Summit. As part of the day’s focus on self-care and wellness, the school provided a variety of communal snack stations to let students recharge between stations. (Dennis Thawng)

Sophomores Gage Kurtz and Aaron Brushwood take a moment to pose in front of the camera in the hallway. The event served as a strategic wellness intervention, designed to help students recharge and manage stress. “I think it helps students because it gives them a little break, especially before spring break,” Brushwood noted, adding that the day’s schedule adjustments also play a role in student well-being. “The 2-hour delay definitely helps even out the day,” he said. (Dennis Thawng)

Sophomore Akai Chan locks in his focus during a fast-paced ping pong match in a room buzzing with student energy. (Dennis Thawng)

Freshman Jake Mwangi focuses on a game of Connect Four with a friend. By offering interactive activities like Connect Four, the summit aimed to reduce stress and foster a sense of community among students. Reflecting on the day, Mwangi appreciated the opportunity to “connect with my friends and bring awareness to mental health at the same time.” (Dennis Thawng)

Senior David Weitzel takes a moment to relax and enjoy the snacks provided during the event. For many upperclassmen, these communal spaces offered an opportunity to slow down, catch up with friends, and recharge before heading back to their classes. (Dennis Thawng)

Freshmen Lincoln Snyder, Caden Dillon, Henry Poole and Felix Sawers take a moment to regroup during the Mental Health Summit. As the school day paused to prioritize student well-being, Sawers noted that such breaks are vital for long-term productivity. “Mental health is important to me because you need downtime to stay focused, and at your one hundred percent,” Sawers shared. (Dennis Thawng)

Senior Manny Elliot takes to the gym during the Mental Health Summit, one of many students who chose physical activity as a way to have fun. Elliot appreciated the timing of the event, stating that it offered a “good way to ease into break” while providing a positive focus for the school week. (Dennis Thawng)

Freshman Lance Petrich powers through a set of lunges in the school fitness center. Petrich, along with many other students, chose physical training as a productive way to clear their minds during the school day. (Dennis Thawng)

Sophomore Robbie Jeanmenne enjoys a quick snack during the Mental Health Summit. (Dennis Thawng)

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