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Simcoe.com
Date Published: Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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ALCONA — It is quite a sight to see more than 750 students, teachers and volunteers traipse around a school track with a common goal in mind. The Alcona Glen Elementary School community took part in a noon-hour walk last Friday to highlight children’s mental health issues. Laura Leslie of the New Path agency called the event, “Amazing! It’s just gratifying to see young people embrace mental health in a way that destigmatizes children’s mental health. I think the message is getting out there with the help of our community partners.” A special guest was Innisfil Mayor Barb Baguley who started the walk, but was gradually overtaken by hundreds of younger and highly energized walkers. “I’m pacing myself,” Baguley laughed. “I believe shining a light on mental health in our society is really important. In varying degrees, it can make you feel afraid and can lead to serious depression and schizophrenia. Mental health well being is equal to physical well being. You need both.” Talking about mental health in a school setting is vital, Baguley said. “It’s important to talk to the kids,” she said. “They may recognize something in a friend and tell an adult. Maybe someday, it could even help them.” The walk culminated a full week of in-school activities, said Grade 7 teacher Brenda Hotton. “We had announcements each morning and our student leadership team visited classrooms and answered questions,” Hotton said. “We also had an assembly with videos from the Canadian Mental Health Association and passed out T-shirts.”