Joel Barlow High School Class of 2023 lawn signs are available for purchase on the school’s website. The funds raised by the lawn signs for graduates will benefit the school’s Youth Mental Health First Aid Club, which works to help teens and children struggling with their mental health.
“Youth Mental Health First Aid meets to increase education and awareness of mental health disorders and works to decrease the stigma of mental health disorders of teenagers and children,” said Maryanne Pieratti, a social worker at Joel Barlow High School who oversees the program.
The students in the club plan activities and programs for Barlow students and the Easton and Redding communities. Some of the activities the program has held include Random Acts of Kindness to peers and staff, positive affirmations on hot sleeves at a “pop up” hot chocolate stand, therapy dogs and a Mental Health Fair.
Gian Thomas Zuanelli, a senior at Joel Barlow and a team leader for the initiative, encouraged fellow students to purchase a graduate lawn sign.
“Definitely purchase a sign,” said Zuanelli. “Not only do they represent the Youth Mental Health First Aid Club and everything that we do, but the signs also represent you – the student who buys them, and everything that you have worked for throughout your career at Barlow.”
Barlow senior Jack Baer said it’s crucial that club continues its important work after he graduates.
“These lawn signs help continue to draw attention to such an important issue,” he said. “The initiatives and goals of the club will continue to educate, inform and strive to inform our community about youth mental health.”
Lawn signs can be ordered on the JBHS website until April 18.
