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From left: Dr. Matthew Spott, guest speaker; Abigail Carachilo, Ava Mark, Evan Cerra, Sean Surace, Cole Becchetti, Riley Brennan, Addison Calzola and Michael Murphy, Carbondale Area Aevidum Club adviser. (Submitted)
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The Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School Aevidum Club recently held a Mental Health Awareness Day focused on education, connection and support for students and community members. The day highlighted an important message: Mental health matters.
As part of the event, the Aevidum Club organized a mental health resource fair where local and regional organizations came together to provide information and support. Groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Scranton Counseling Center, local therapists and other community agencies set up tables to share resources, answer questions and help students learn where they can turn if they or someone they know needs support.
In addition, Aevidum members met with students in grades 7 and 8 to talk about mental health awareness. These peer-led sessions focused on recognizing signs that someone may be struggling, breaking down stigma and discussing healthy coping strategies. The conversations encouraged younger students to speak up, support one another and reach out to trusted adults when needed.
The club also organized a school assembly featuring guest speaker Dr. Matthew Spott, a NAMI board of directors member. Spott spoke with students about discipline, resilience and maximizing potential, especially when challenges arise. He shared real-world lessons about effort, ownership and building a meaningful life and career, reminding students that struggles do not define them and that support and perseverance play a key role in personal growth.
Mental Health Awareness Day extended beyond the school day as the Aevidum Club partnered with the Varsity Boys Basketball team, cheerleaders and the John Malvizzi Foundation to host a Mental Health Awareness basketball game. During the event, community organizations set up informational booths in the lobby, giving families and community members access to mental health resources and supports in a welcoming environment.
