Exciting ‘Reindeer Dash’ at Maricopa High: Beyond Just Games!

Maricopa High School hosted its inaugural Mental Health Reindeer Dash on December 10, 2024, aiming to raise awareness about mental health issues among students. The event emphasized the importance of accessible mental health resources for young people.

MHS Counselor Amber Liermann highlighted the reality that “about 1 in 5 students struggle with mental health issues.” She noted the prevalence of myths surrounding this topic, emphasizing the need for open conversations to dispel stereotypes.

This initiative was made possible through a grant from the Arizona Department of Education, although the specific amount was not disclosed. Liermann explained that Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD) plans to host similar events throughout the fall and spring semesters, with the Reindeer Dash serving as a vibrant kickoff.

Rather than just static presentations, the school aimed for interactivity. Liermann mentioned, “We wanted it to be interactive, to have the kids move around and not just sit and talk.” Participants wrote names on cards to honor individuals affected by mental health challenges.

MUSD ensures access to school counselors and community resources, according to district spokesperson Mishell Terry. “Each school has dedicated counselors who provide guidance and immediate support,” she stated, reinforcing the district’s commitment to student mental health.

The district also mandates training for middle and high school students to recognize and respond to signs of suicide risk, along with providing resources for parents regarding suicide awareness and prevention.

Despite the effort, students expressed concern about the adequacy of support for mental health in Maricopa. MHS senior Kayla Houston commented on the challenge of addressing teen suicide, which is a rising issue in the area, as highlighted by Pinal County’s recorded statistics.

Houston noted, “A lot of students have issues, but nobody’s really willing to do anything about it.” She criticized the reliance on QR codes for crisis lines, which she felt were insufficient, particularly when her friend faced a crisis.

Junior Isis Anderson echoed Houston’s sentiments. “I see posters around and we have mental health counselors, but besides that, [there’s] not really much else,” she observed.

In the face of these challenges, Houston and Anderson took the initiative to organize the Reindeer Dash, feeling that it was a proactive step toward addressing mental health issues. Houston poignantly shared her motivation for participating in honor of her friend Aiden, stating, “I wanted to walk for him because his mental health got the best of him last year.”