Greater Egg Harbor district revives 'Be the Change Day' to support student mental health

At the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District board meeting, staff and students described a revived program called Be the Change Day that the district ran on Feb. 11 at Absegami High School with plans to expand the model to Cedar Creek and Oakcrest high schools.

Board members heard that the program is student-led and includes adult facilitators, breakout groups, and wraparound follow-up services provided in partnership with AtlantiCare. A staff presenter described the structure: students and an adult leader sit in small groups to process speakers’ personal experiences; participants box cell phones and are asked to keep room discussions private so students can speak openly.

The program’s organizers said the event this winter focused on juniors and seniors because it was restarted midyear; the stated aim is eventually to offer Be the Change Day to every student before graduation. Organizers also said they plan 2–3 sessions a year, with possibilities for later inclusion of freshmen after initial transition programming. The staff presenter said AtlantiCare and the district guidance teams were involved in planning and that adults remained after the event to ensure students had access to services and follow-up contact.

Student Hannah Price, a senior at Absegami High School, told the board the event felt authentic and emotionally connected. "It wasn't just another school event. It was real, raw experience where I felt connected to both students and teachers in a way I never felt before," Price said. She urged the board to keep the program running because, she said, it created space for students to speak about mental-health struggles and to realize they are not alone.

Board member Gunther asked for a program summary and how it is run; the staff presenter replied the event is organized by staff but run by student leaders, highlighted the logistical hurdles of relaunching the program, and described small-group processing, examples of interactive activities (including a start-line exercise illustrating unequal starting points), and the inclusion of ASL content this year. Organizers acknowledged the emotional intensity of the sessions and said follow-up arrangements and guidance-team involvement were part of the program design.

No formal board action was recorded on the program at the meeting. Board members discussed how the program might be institutionalized across the three buildings and how to identify student leaders and staff to support recurring sessions.

The board did not set a funding or scheduling vote; organizers said details such as frequency and building-specific tweaks will be developed with school staff and student leaders.