Mental health is always a topic that can be talked about more, and that is why Rock Creek has the Every Mustang Matters organization, to show students that it is ok to reach out for help.
“This is a serious and necessary topic for students to be aware of, and to also find resources and help; We want to make that as available as possible,” Advisor for Every Mustang Matters Jenette Follmer said. Like most organizations, there is an elected board of members. The board member’s positions are Board Chairs, Student Council Representative, Social Media Manager, Secretary, and Inclusion officer.
“I was fresh to the school, still trying to figure stuff out; But this year, I did apply,” senior Jonas Smith said. The board is then expected to attend training, and they report back to the organization the skills they have learned. Once training is in place all members assist in planning out events that the organization will promote for students to be able to participate in for the year. In addition, to the board and organization, there is a sectional committee comprised of school staff that helps with the board selection process.
“Essentially, this board is just people on a short list that can be called upon at short notice; I know that some of these people are committed enough they’re going to show up at these events and make things happen,” Follmer said. In past years, the organization has been smaller but now there were over 30 students that came to the first Every Mustang Matters meeting of the year, showing that they are interested in helping spread the word about mental health “My sisters both did “Every Mustang Matters” for all four years of high school, and they really enjoyed the club, so I just wanted to try it out; Then, like last year, I also really enjoyed taking part in the club, so I just decided to keep going with it this year,” sophomore Livia Nippert said. As the year progresses, Every Mustang Matters plans events for the students and staff to participate in to spread awareness. One of the top requests from students has been to offer free hot chocolate on those cold winter mornings.
The Glow Walk is also an event that was not able to happen last year due to inclement weather. So students are looking forward to another opportunity to host this amazing event and biggest fundraiser for Every Mustang Matters.
“I’m excited for the Glow Walk; Hopefully it doesn’t rain out this year,” Nippert said. “Hopefully there’s like an actual Glow Walk this year, instead of just a random time during advisor,” While it’s not just all event planning and wanting to be a board member, this organization is about putting out an extremely important message.
The organization’s goals are of course always at the forefront of all their events and planning. Moving forward the organization’s Inclusive Officer, Jonas Smith believes “. . . focusing a little more on the somber side and the reality of the situation could have people be more invested and take it more seriously,” Smith said.
