Grafton High students and counselors outline expanded wellness programs supported by United Way grant

Grafton High School counselors and student leaders on March 23 told the Grafton School District board that a combination of student‑driven clubs and a United Way grant have expanded mental‑health supports for students.

Greg Johnson, a Grafton High School counselor, said district survey data show strong peer connections but a gap in students’ confidence about adult support: “On the student survey, if I have a big problem there’s an adult at school I can talk to about it, it was 80% or higher,” he said, and staff programs aim to raise the school’s connection rate (KPI LR2).

Students described how that work looks on the ground. Junior Ellie Girky said Wellness Week has grown in participation and helps normalize conversations about mental health: “Mental wellness week…is really good at raising awareness and ending the stigma around mental health,” she told the board. Senior Rook Lavine, who helped start the school’s Raise Your Voice chapter (a student group affiliated with NAMI), said the club runs monthly meetings, produces uplifting messages around the building and hosts study‑support events during finals week to reduce stress.

Sophomore Alex Bergman described the Green Bandana Project, an Eagle Scout initiative that trains peers to listen without judgment and help connect classmates to resources. Bergman told the board the first training cohort produced at least 16 students who wear green bandanas to signal they are trained peer listeners.

Senior Lee, who founded the school’s yoga club, said the group meets during BHT to provide a low‑pressure place for students to unwind; club sessions have included partnerships such as 'puppy yoga' and collaboration with Best Buddies to draw first‑time attendees.

Johnson and Emily May, also a school counselor, credited a United Way 'Empowering Minds' grant for funding elements of the program — from wellness‑week attractions such as bounce houses and therapy dogs to a remodel that co‑located counselors and the school psychologist and created a calming 'wellness bay.' May said the district plans to launch a mental‑health website for students and families in fall 2026 to provide centralized resources.

Board members asked for details about freshman participation and the scope of peer training; student leaders said underclassmen comprise a large share of club membership and noted that the Green Bandana trainings are being expanded beyond the first cohort.

The board heard the presentation as part of a longer Grafton High School update that also included arts and robotics program reports. The meeting record shows no related policy votes at this session; the board thanked the students and staff and then moved on to other agenda items.