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Wappingers, James Warriors honored with ‘Champions of Change’ banner for student mental‑health outreach
Summary
At its April 22 meeting, the Wappingers Central School District received a Champions of Change banner from the New York State School Boards Association and the James Warriors organization in recognition of a partnership delivering mental‑health education, coping kits and suicide‑prevention programming in district schools.
Pastor John Williams, speaking for the New York State School Boards Association, presented Champions of Change banners to the Wappingers Central School District and to the community group James Warriors during the April 22 Board of Education meeting.
The presentation honored a multi‑year partnership to provide mental‑health awareness and suicide‑prevention programming in district schools. “We might be competitors on the field, on the courts. But when it comes to education, we’re not competitors. We’re partners,” Pastor John Williams said while presenting the awards.
Donna Thomas, who presented on behalf of James Warriors, described the group’s programming and its clinical partnership. The organization uses classroom presentations including a clinical segment led by a psychologist to explain signs, symptoms and coping strategies. Thomas said the group also works with students to assemble “coping kits” and encourages engagement through events and school ties. “Every time I leave one of these presentations, I walk away with hope,” she said, recounting that the group was formed after the death by suicide of her 19‑year‑old son.
Thomas thanked the district’s administration and named several principals and staff who have supported the program, and said the group used a grant from Dutchess County this year to support presentations and student activities at Orchard View. Principal Dave Sipe, speaking about the program’s impact at Roy C. Ketchum High School, said students consistently respond and frequently approach presenters after events.
Superintendent Richard Zipp (assistant superintendent, student support services, was also named in remarks thanking the group) and Board President Michael McFarland joined in expressing the district’s commitment to student mental health and pledged to continue supporting community partners in prevention work.
The board did not take any formal policy action during the recognition; the presentation was recorded as part of the meeting’s “spotlight” segment.
