Conant’s wellness department hosts Walk for Wellness event

Marco Lazic

Conant’s wellness department hosted a Cougar Mental Health Day, also known as the Walk For Wellness, on Friday, September 27.

The Walk For Wellness focused on informing students about the mental health resources available within their community. Students and faculty were able to walk laps around the track, as well as visit the booths of organizations that specialize in youth wellness. They could also receive prizes for participating in the various activities available. The event was set up by the Student Wellness Committee (also known as Bring Change 2 Mind club).

The walk included a variety of organizations, such as Erika’s Lighthouse, Kenneth Young Center, The Schaumburg Library, The Harbor, and Conant Student Services. 

According to Conant psychologist Dr. Ashley Langley-Krajack, “These organizations often facilitate peer support groups, provide crisis intervention, and promote mental health awareness… they help students navigate their challenges and connect with the resources they need to thrive.”

The walk was also host to several activities that helped keep students engaged and at ease during the day. Students could play games like spike ball, ping pong, or bags with their friends. The Hoffman Estates Police Department also brought service dogs to pet during all four lunch periods.

BC2M member Paulius Jasiniskis, ‘27, said, “I feel like everyone was happy, everyone was kind…I’m really happy with the result of the event.”

Each table had stickers and other items to give to students, as well as a stamp tool to stamp each student’s card. Stamped cards could be brought to the BC2M table, and in return, students would receive a gift card, bouncy ball, or some other item.

Improved planning for the event this year led to greater organization, overall. One improvement included more student volunteers to help out. There were volunteers who greeted the students, stamped cards, monitored the BC2M booth, and handed out prizes to students.

The club also improved on the process in which they handed out rewards. Last year, they handed them out through a raffle, but this year, each student who gave a stamp card received a reward.

The event created a positive environment with lots of available resources for mental and emotional health. Ioan Cobarzan, ‘26, said, “I had fun when I was able to do stuff with my friends.”

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