At Joel Barlow High School, student and athlete, Helena is taking the lead in creating a space for mental well-being, reflection, and connection.
With the help of of One World and the Jordan Porco Foundation, and her teacher mentor Mrs. Perati, Barlow is hosting a Mental Health Check-In Fair in May—an interactive and community-driven event designed to help students and attendees pause, reconnect with themselves, and explore tools for emotional well-being.
The fair, entirely planned and led by students, will feature a series of hands-on booths, each offering a unique way to engage in self-care.
From painting rocks with affirmations to adding a leaf to a growing gratitude tree, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their emotions and express themselves creatively.
A bouncy house provides a lighthearted way to release pent-up energy and stress, while a nutrition station will offer samples of snacks designed to support a healthy and balanced nervous system.
By integrating simple yet meaningful activities, the event aims to highlight the importance of mental wellness in everyday life. The fair is not only a resource for students but is also open to the broader community, reinforcing the message that mental health is something to be nurtured and supported together.
Through this initiative, Joel Barlow High School is fostering a culture where checking in on oneself and others is both encouraged and celebrated. With students at the helm, the event serves as a powerful reminder that mental well-being is a shared responsibility—one that flourishes through connection, creativity, and collective care.