Oct. 7, 2022

USCHS supports mental health awareness

Upper St. Clair High School students and staff raised more than $1,200 in donations to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In support of the organization and mental health awareness, nearly 50 Upper St. Clair students participated in the 16th annual NAMIWalks Keystone PA on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, at the Monroeville Community Park.

Students represented academic and AP psychology classes, National Honor Society (NHS), Tri-M, and Stand Together. The trip was organized by Mr. Doug Kirchner, social studies curriculum leader and psychology teacher. Chaperones included Ms. Shannon Dressler, school psychologist and Stand Together sponsor, and Dr. Stephen Torquato, social studies teacher and NHS sponsor. In addition, the Upper St. Clair girls’ soccer team also attended as a group with their coaches. 

“Our group of USC students made up a majority of participants at the walk,” Mrs. Dressler said.  “Their high energy level and enthusiasm brought a smile to all of the volunteers’ faces!  NAMI volunteers were very appreciative of the students’ support and were thrilled that we brought three busloads of students.”

NAMIWalks raises awareness for mental health and spreads the word that treatment works and recovery is possible. For more information about NAMIWalks, visit: https://www.namikeystonepa.org/nami-events/namiwalks/.