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Whitman Natural Helpers students describe retreats, fundraisers and peer‑support work to board
Summary
Students and advisors from Walt Whitman High School's Natural Helpers club presented to the Board of Education about peer‑helping activities including Friendsgiving, a student retreat, yoga, awareness fundraisers and a May mental‑health awareness week that raised more than $200 for NAMI.
Advisors and student members of Walt Whitman High School's Natural Helpers club presented the group's peer‑helping and mental‑health awareness activities to the Board of Education, describing retreats, fundraising and school events that provide peer support for students.
Nicole Hanovich, a social‑studies teacher and club advisor, opened the presentation and said, “Natural Helpers is a program that focuses on peer helping and raising awareness for mental health.” She thanked district administration and the community for support and introduced student speakers who outlined the club’s main events and impacts.
Junior Ariana White described Friendsgiving, an early‑year social event where members share food and play an introduction game to prepare for the December retreat. Senior Samuel Lopez (Samuel Lopez Cardenas) described the retreat as “one of the best days ever,” saying the daylong program brings students from grades 9–12 together for bonding and includes outside organizations such as LIAT and Alateen and service dogs. Freshman Charlotte Zafe said retreat activities include morning yoga and a “cross the line” exercise that lets students share experiences and build trust.
Other students described fundraising and public‑awareness activities: a drive for feminine‑hygiene products for the South County Period Pantry; a fundraiser supporting a student’s mother with lung cancer; and awareness campaigns for suicide prevention and eating‑disorder awareness. A student speaker said the group had raised more than $200 in May for NAMI during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Students emphasized peer support and message that “it’s okay to not be okay.” Board members and administrators praised the club. Superintendent for Business Mike Conway and Dr. Murphy (present at the meeting) acknowledged the program’s role in promoting school attendance and student well‑being; Dr. Murphy said the Natural Helpers are “the reason why people want to come to school.”
Advisors and students asked for the board’s continued support; Hanovich thanked the administration, the board and community for ongoing backing of the program.
