Classroom projects, after school jobs, social pressure and the reality of life after high school can add up to stress for students.
For the second year, the Killeen ISD Career Center DECA chapter organized a day committed to mental health.
On Wednesday, the business students that make up the chapter set up a balloon arch and a huge slide introducing their peers to the DECA Mental Health Convention at the back of the campus commons area.
Throughout the day, various classes took turns at the stations, where they made slime, filled in coloring pages, engaged with a couple of dogs, took photos, worked on puzzles and lounged on couches.
Jaden Hughes, a junior, said he could see his peers enjoying the chance to have fun together.
“It’s about giving kids a break during the day and giving them a chance to sit down and relax and be with their friends,” he said, noting the need to learn more about mental health. “I’m observing people having fun.”
Davionna Allen, a junior, said feedback from last year’s event convinced DECA students to expand from a half day to a full day.
“We have counselors to talk to, slime for sensory therapy, animal therapy, coloring for people who like art, a puzzle station,” she said, explaining the offerings.
“The overall goal is to have that pause during the school day to come in and relax from class and work,” Allen said. “This year we wanted to be available to all students all day.”
Gabriella Kenworthy, a senior, said the event would be documented and presented in district competition, hopefully on its way to state and beyond.
“Our lives are really chaotic and it’s important we take a mental health day,” she said. “I saw students this morning interacting with each other and instead of being stressed they got to be kids.”
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