Stevenson organizes Mental Health Week

Stevenson High School recently kicked off the school's inaugural StreetFest Wellness Week, a student-led effort with the goal of spreading the message of the importance of overall wellness and taking care of one's mental health.

StreetFest Wellness Week is a partnership between two student organizations: National Honor Society, a leadership and community service organization, and Peer Helpers, which offers peer counseling and support.

"We want to ensure that students struggling with mental health concerns receive the care, compassion and understanding that they deserve," said Amal Naqvi, a senior and president of Peer Helpers, in a video promoting the event.

Wellness Week offers a wide range of events during the school week and after the school day, including a stress ball lunch activity, a virtual interactive discussion forum, an educational webinar for families and more.

The week will culminate Saturday, Aug. 28, with the school's annual StreetFest event from 5-9 p.m., where community members will enjoy fireworks, live stage performances, interactive games, food trucks and activities from various Stevenson clubs and community agencies that promote wellness.

While some Wellness Week activities are conducted on campus during the school day, and therefore geared toward students, Saturday's StreetFest event is open to all community members.

There is a suggested $10 donation for Saturday's event, with all proceeds from admissions and fundraising to benefit wellness-based agencies Elyssa's Mission, Rainbows for All Children, Shelter Inc. and Loving without Limits.

Stevenson High School is at 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire.